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We saw some interesting things that we had never seen before and visited some very beautiful places.  The trip was great but unfortunately was tainted by the Norovirus and Influenza that was always with us.  However, the crew was wonderful and took it all in stride.  Our waiter, Robert, was probably the best we have ever had and our cabin steward, Julius, kept the cabin just beautiful.  We made great friends that, I hope, we will see again. 

All in all, life aboard ship is a wonderful experience and  we look forward to, once again, being able to sail to some exotic country, maybe even the world.

Last Day

Our day started out an hour ahead of everyone else.  We were never given the time change card and all our clocks were off.  As we waited for the elevator, Gary even reset the clock in the hall.  When the elevator arrived, we got in to go to the buffet to have breakfast.  We pushed the button but nothing happened.  We tried several times to no avail...we were stuck.  Gary had to pry the doors open in order for us to get out.  So far the day has been an experience. Then, just before dinner, the captain announced that the Norovirus was back and that the CDC will be boarding in Los Angeles.  I have since learned that our ship made national news, because of the virus, after leaving L.A. and docking in San Francisco.

We spent the day packing, no dilema as to what to take for the trip home.  We bought nothing so suitcase weight was not a concern.  Good-byes are always sad, we made some new friends and renewed relationships with old ones.  Hopefully, we will keep in touch.

My Birthday

On March 31, my husband surprised me (I had a feeling something was up) with a party in the dining room.  He invited five couples who became great friends during the cruise.  Haydee and Pedero from Puerto Rico, Sharon & Ron from Canada & Australia, Glyness & Rex from Australia, Andrea & Mark from Arizona and Jane & Bill from California.
Andrea & Mark were also at my birthday party on the World Cruise in 2011, we just ran into each other on the ship by chance.   It was a lot of fun and everyone in the dining room sang to me. The following day, April 1, was our anniversary so we decided that just the 2 of us would go to one of the 2 specialty restaurants called Sabatini's.  Gary put on his tux and we went to the restaurant.  Sitting at the table, in an alcove, were the same friends that helped me celebrate the previous night.  Everyone was in formal attire.  That time he really got me.  The room was beautifully decorated with balloons & streamers and a gorgeous floral centerpiece.  We had a great time laughing the night away...Gary was in rare form.  We closed Sabatini's at midnight.  Even the waiters said they had the best time.  It was a wonderful evening!

 

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

So many are drawn to this picturesque coastal village because of the turquoise waters, the golden beaches and endless sunshine.  Whether you're a first time visitor or a frequent guest, you're sure to find something new and exciting around every corner on the Mexican Riviera.

Although there is evidence that the Aztatian Indians dominated the area beginning around 580 B.C., it was conquistador Francisco Cortes who uncovered this enchanting gem.  In 1525, Cortes and his army marched through the mountainous area, along the Pacific coastline and stumbled into one of the largest bays in the world.  The harbor was used by Spanish sailors for ship repairs, but the area was largely unsettled for the next 300 years.  The town began to prosper in 1851 when the port was used for trading salt and minerals.  However, it still remained small until Hollywood made it a star. Director John Huston filmed The Night Of The Iguana in and around Puerto Vallarta; soon, Huston and star Richard Burton purchased homes here, and the rest of the world followed.

Gary and I, along with two other friends went (would you believe) zip lining.  Being afraid of heights, I wasn't sure if I could go through with it...but I did.  I did 5 lines and Gary did 10.  It was really exhilarating and we all enjoyed it immensely.  I wish I could have taken pictures on the zip line, but they made us leave everything (including cameras) in a locker.  I don't think I would ever do it again, but I'm glad I had the experience. At the base we had a couple of frozen Strawberry Margaritas, the best I have ever tasted, and a bowl of nachos for lunch.  This was definitely the most beautiful port on the entire trip.

The picture is of a stranger ending his run on the zip line.  I took it after I retrieved my camera.  That was a mile-long run on the last zip line.  Too bad I wasn't able to get Gary coming down.

 

 

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

What sets this large fishing village apart from many other tourism meccas is its simplicity.  With it's volcanoes, jungles and pristine beaches it elevates relaxation to an art form.  San Juan del Sur is also the gateway to Nicaragua, a profoundly interesting country whose history reads like a thousand historical mysteries.  For centuries, San Juan was a sleepy paradise.  Like much of Central America, it became the center of a tug of war for its natural resources.  One of America's richest men,, Cornelius Vanderbilt built roads and a crucial railroad linking both coasts.  It was the transportation center, allowing Easterners to cross to the Pacific side and head north to California's epic Gold Rush. Vanderbilt's route took just 20 hours and cut the trip from a six-month voyage to one.

We took the tender in and proceeded to walk along the coast road.  There were several tuk-tuk type vehicles (small 2 seated carriage propelled by a man pedaling a bicycle from behind) taking tourists on a brief tour.  In the far East the tuk-tuk's are no longer powered by a bicycle but by a motorbike.

We walked a few miles and along the way we saw several of the same thatched roof, open air, beachfront type restaurants and chose one to have lunch.  We sat upstairs and the view was awesome. the weather has definitely changed and it's now averaging 90 degrees.

Gary had the band at the dock play "Happy Birthday" to me as tomorrow is my birthday (March 31). It sort of came out a little different, but they did a great job.

We saw monkeys and parrots and girls in colorful native costumes.  We walked along a suspension bridge that was swaying in the wind and bouncing up & down from the pedestrian traffic.  I was very happy to get off.  Aside from the heat, we really enjoyed our time there.  It's a beautiful place and the people were lovely.

 

 

 

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

After 2 days at sea we arrived in Costa Rica.

Puntarenas was discovered by Columbus in 1502 and named "Rich Coast" on his fourth and final voyage to the New World.  Costa Rica never lived up to the promise of gold or other riches like its neighboring Spanish Colonies.  Puntarenas remained a sleepy village until coffee production in the late 18th century transformed the Costa Rican economy.  By the 1850's coffee had surpassed cacao, tobacco and sugar as the country's number one export and Puntarenas' port became a thriving business.

Gary and I did something we never do, we took a tour, offered on shore, with about 20 other people. The driver assured us that there would only be 10 people, but when the van arrived there was already 22 people on board.  He took us to see the rain forest (which was dry as a desert) and several crocodiles.  The rest of the time we spent either driving to & from the "rain forest" (1 hr. each way) with 2 shopping stops. The shipping consisted of wooden statues and trinkets with "Costa Rica" written.  I have never found it necessary to have someone take me shopping...I invented shopping! But for the crocodiles the "tour" was a waste.  We will never again go with other people to see the sights and shop.

 

 

 

 

 

Lima, Peru

Lima was founded in 1635 by Francisco Pizarro, the conquistador who defeated the forces of the Inca Empire and delivered South America into the hands of Spain.

This was our 5th time in Lima.  We have been to the gold Museum which has an amazing display of pre-Columbian and Inca gold jewelry and ceremonial objects along with an excellent collection of uniforms and small arms.  We have also seen the mummified remains of Pizarro in a Cathedral whose construction began in 1746.  We have been to the main square where the Presidential Palace is located and have seen their city hall, the gardens and fountains there and purchased some bracelets at the silver market.   We have also spent time in Mira Flores, a lovely town just outside of Lima.  I also had emergency surgery here in 1991.  All in all, we have spent a total of just under 2 weeks here.  It is also one of the largest ports in South America.

The above picture is of a beautiful restaurant called La Rosa Nautica.  We didn't get there this time but we have been there a few times in past years and have always had a great meal.

 

 

 

 

 

San Martin (Pisco)

Pisco is a town rich in -Columbian history.  The name Pisco may ring a bell as a favored brandy.  This small fishing village, located 145 miles south of Lima, is better known for the treasure trove of archaeological and natural wonders that surround the area.  In 1925 an archaeologist uncovered burial sites of the ancient Paracas culture, which thrived here from 1300 BC to 200 AD.  Some 400 funerary bundles were uncovered revealing mummies wrapped in exquisitely produced funeral garments.  The Paracas Museum is located on the site of one of these grounds.

We hired a taxi to take us to Paracas and to the Paracas Museum.  The town was very picturesque and only about 15 minutes from the ship.  We had a great lunch there.  The small charming restaurants were brightly decorated with colored tablecloths, flowers & statues of sea nymphs, flamingos, plastic ships and various sea shell.  There were vendors selling trinkets, everything from jewelry to alpaca sweaters, along the walkway.  From the town we went to the museum.  Unfortunately, the section that displayed the mumms is only open in June/July, but we walked through and,although it was very small, we enjoyed the short tour.  About this time we could have used an "Inca Kola."

Coquimbo

Located between the northern Atacama desert and the mineral-rich central valley, the city serves as capital of the Fourth Region of Coquimbo, while its palm-fringed beaches make a perfect gateway from busy Santiago, just 290 miles to the north.  Fed by three major rivers - the Elqui, the Choapa and the Limari - the area's land is ripe for agriculture, and its fruit is shipped throughout the country and elsewhere.  You can also sample the fourth Region's grapes in Pisco for Chile's national drink. This lush region also known for its silver and copper, was home to the Diaguitas people, who farmed here in pre-Columbian days.  Chile's second-oldest city, LaSerena's Spanish roots date to 1544, when it was established to facilitate communications with Peru both by sea and overland.

We had the best day!  We left the ship late, around 12:00.  No need to rush in as it's a very small city. We walked to the fish market, which was incredible.  There were several vendors, each selling fresh

fish and shellfish, caught that morning.  Every kind imaginable.  Along side the market were elephant seals being fed scraps of fish.

Several small restaurants along the waterfront and we decided to have a cup of coffee in one. We also had an order of fries, which neither of us have done since high school...we are both going to hell!!

                             The people here are just lovely.  After 2 days at sea, next stop Peru.

Valparaiso

While Valparaiso has a certain Latin charm, it is basically a no-nonsense, relatively poor working man's city. Neighboring Vina del Mar, however, immediately adjacent to Valparaiso, is an internationally known rich man's playground with a municipal casino, elegant hotels and restaurants, flower bedecked condos, homes and villas, wide beaches along a scenic rocky coastline, grand avenues, and chic boutiques.  Staid Valparaiso is dedicated to commerce; bustling Vina to pleasure. Valparaiso is Chile's second-largest city and the most important port on the west coast of South America.  It was founded 250 years before the United States became independent - in 1536 - has more than 300,000 inhabitants, and was the first city founded in Chile by the Spaniards.  The city is about 70 miles from Santiago.

We were off the ship early as the 2nd segment ended and the 3rd was beginning.  About 540 passengers got off and the same number got on. It's a bit chaotic at this time.  We took the shuttle to the terminal, then walked into the town. Nothing to see in Valparaiso, Vina del Mar is much nicer.  Valparaiso is a huge port where we took on a lot of provisions.

0 miles from Santiago.

At Sea

Things have greatly improved since leaving Patagonia.  Seas are more calm and the weather getting warmer with less wind, and the Norovirus is but a bad memory.  At breakfast we met a fellow that flew for continental airlines for 22 years.  He was also a sailor and shooter.  He & Gary had so much in common and hit it off immediately.  They are joining us for dinner this evening.

I have been reading a great book, "The English Girl," by Daniel Silva.  I highly recommend it.  Gary read it first and is now reading about Joe DiMaggio & Helio Castroneves (3 time Indy winner).  We have 2 days at sea before reaching Valparaiso, Chile, and about 2 weeks left on the trip.  

Puerto Montt

Chile is nicknamed "the shoestring country" for good reason; 24 times longer than its average width, and in no place wider than 150 miles, it stretches nearly 2,700 miles, a span of latitude that encompasses parched deserts, fertile coastal plains, dense rain forests and, finally, continental ice-caps, fiords and glaciers.  At Puerto Montt, chile's narrow coastal plain sinks into the Pacific, and the ice-carved west slopes of the Andes form the islands and fiords of Archipelagic Chile, a  remote region of appalling weather that stretches southward 1,000 miles to Cape Horn.  It's a city of 250,000, is the gateway not only to the Lake District, but to the island of Chiloe, to Archipelagic Chile, and to Argentina's Lake District, just across the Andes from Chile.  The city is not, however, merely a stopover on the way to more exotic places.  It is an interesting town with a charm characteristic of smaller Chilean seaports whose residents are among the friendliest people in South America.

We hired a taxi for 3 hours to take us on a tour.  Our driver's name was Sergio and he took us to a beautiful lake in Puerto Varas where we had lunch at a quaint restaurant the locals frequent.  They also have two volcanos.  The Osorno volcano last erupted in the late 1800's.  It is one of Chile's most famous volcanoes owing to its near perfect symmetry.  The snow-capped peak is frequently referred to as the "Fuji of South America." I had salmon (caught from that lake) that overlapped the plate and Gary had King Crab.  It was soooo good.  At the fish market there is a 2 story building where about 30 tiny seafood restaurants (about 3 or 4 tables) serve very inexpensive meals.  We have been there before but didn't make it back this time.  It's really something to see.  Do you get the impression we are eating our way through South America???

Amalia Glacier

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field covered the entirety of southern Chile just 10,000 years ago and helped form the Fjords of southern Chile's Pacific Coast.  The unspoiled scenery is filled with dramatic rock formations, snow capped mountain peaks and abundant wildlife.

After traveling through the Strait of  Magellan, we finally reached the Amalia Glacier.  We were on deck for about two hours watching the approach.  Once there, we, along with the entire ship, were on deck taking pictures.  What an awesome sight!  We didn't get as close as we have been before.  I think it was because the ship is much bigger than the other ships we were on previously.  Gary's GPS shows that we were 3/4 of a mile closer in '03.

After 1 sea day we tender in to Puerto Montt.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas has enjoyed two heydays.  The first lasted from about 1850 to 1914, when it was the principal coaling and supply station for ships rounding the Horn, as well as a major world supplier of wool.  It was also, by virtue of its strategic location, one of the busiest ports in the world.  Its first golden age ended abruptly in 1914 when the Panama Canal opened and ships no longer needed to round Cape Horn.  The situation grew worse as wool from New Zealand and Australia began to compete with its major product.

Punta Arenas more or less languished until oil was discovered nearby in the 1940s, and with the subsequent improvement in roads, it has recovered its previous status as an important commercial center as well as a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the "Uttermost Realm."

The city is the capital of Magellanes Province, named for Ferdinand Magellan, whose ship was literally blown through the strait that also bears his name by a series of gales in 1520.  The first European to see these windswept shores, he was so relieved to reach the calmer water to the west of the strait that he give it a name we still use - Pacific Ocean.

The weather is really bad, winds 50 mph, sea is upside down and temperature is 40 degrees.  They had to cancel tours as the tenders were too difficult to board, especially for the elderly.  Sometimes there was a 3 foot drop between the ship's platform and the tender.  Gary & I went in but didn't stay long.  The ride back to the ship was a roller coaster with dolphins racing along side.  Very invigorating!  Pictures on new SD card that won't fit in ships system.  Will upload from home.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is a Yahgan Indian word meaning "a bay penetrating westward."  It was born a mission town, then became an Argentine naval base, then a convict settlement, and today a bustling city of about 80,000 people that rightly claims to be the southernmost city on earth.  It is the main jump-off point for tourists and international scientists heading for Antarctica.  As the southern terminus of the Pan-American highway, it is literally at the end of the road; it is the capital of the Argentine portion of Tierra del Fuego.  It is spectacularly situated overlooking the Beagle Channel (where the Atlantic meets the Pacific).

We left the ship around 10:00 and headed up the hilly streets to a restaurant we had patronized twice before, the last time being 2003.  It was a steep climb and took a while to get there.  Gary made a reservation for 12:30.  We walked down to a street filled with shops & restaurants and spent a while there.  When here before we went to Tierra del Fuego Park which was absolutely beautiful.  When I get home, I'll upload pictures.  After our walk around town, we decided not to make the climb back to "Kaupe" restaurant and chose a great local cafe called "Banana."  They were packed and food was great.  They had "Cape Horn" beer and it was great fun.  We had to be back on board at 3:00 so time was not our friend.  Ushuaia is the most rugged, picturesque city we will see on this trip.  We just love it.

Once again, I can't upload any pictures from Ushuaia as the card reader on the boat can't read the newer SD cards and the card I put into my camera just before Ushuaia is the newer SD card.  I'll have to check the others I brought.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

The Falklands are known by two names, the Falkland Islands or The Islas Malvinas.  The islands are a British protectorate and Britain confirmed that sovereignty by fighting and winning a short bitter conflict over them.  Argentina lost that conflict but still believes the islands belong to them.

Historically, the Falkland's economy has been based on sheep farming, however, a world-wide slump in demand has left them struggling for survival.  Farmers are now financially supported out of the revenues generated by the fishing industry, which currently produces about 50% of the Falkland Island government revenue.

We tendered in at about 10:00.  The weather was very cold, probably in the 40's along with a 40 mph wind making it especially uncomfortable for those from the warmer states.  As we were here twice before and visited their museum, we just walked along the shoreline for a couple of miles and visited the war memorials.  It started to rain making it really miserable.  We only spent a couple of hours there then took the tender back to the ship.  We had lunch on board then went to see "The Book Thief" in the theater, great movie.

Montevideo

The vast grasslands that makeup Uruguay were the birthplace of the symbol of the Pampas - the Guacho.  These South American cowboys arose in the 18th century and made a rough tough living capturing the wild horses that escaped from the developing large ranches and then using them to capture the escaped cattle.  They had few possessions apart from a horse, saddle, poncho & knife. Today Montevideo is a city of about 1,800,000 people, almost entirely of European extraction, chiefly Spanish & Italian stock.  It is the largest city in the country, home to half the country's population.

Gary & I took a shuttle to the center of town and walked around looking for an old friend that owned a music store.  Unfortunately, along the way a thief tried to pick Gary's pocket.  He caught the fellow's hand but he was a kid and took off immediately.  Gary, of course, tried to catch him but couldn't.  Being a pretty smart traveler he had nothing in that pocket.  Most of our money/credit cards/cruise card, etc., were elsewhere.  The day could have been a complete disaster, but ended well...the thief got nothing.

2nd Day -

We went to the internet cafe at the dock and sent a few e-mails.  Afterwards we walked to an interesting area near the ship.  Several vendors selling trinkets & jewelry and some really nice restaurants.  They all had open grills cooking everything from fish to lomo & sausage.  Once again we had lomo for lunch (when in Rome) and again it was great.  Walking further, in the old train station were many huge individual grills surrounded by large bars with several stools. The hall was filled with people also seated at small tables eating lunch.  There were hundreds of people everywhere.  It was incredible!  Check out the video, it's worth a thousand words.

 

 After 2 days at sea we leave for Stanley, The Falkland Islands.  Most of the time ships cannot stop there due to high seas.  We have been very lucky to have made it in twice before.