Scenic Chilean Fjords & Glacier Cruising 2/26 & 27/09

2/26/09 ~ The Pacific coast of southern Chile is a fjord land, similar to the fjord lands of northern Europe. A dissected region of islands, channels, inlets, straits, and bays, the Chilean fjords are very sparsely populated, with only a few towns and cattle ranches to be seen along the shores. The Chilean fjords extend south into Tierra del Fuego, the territory at the southern tip of South America that is divided (often contentiously) between Chile and Argentina.

Dirk, our naturalist and Goose, the cruise director have been talking over the intercom telling us what we are passing and seeing along the way. Everyone has found a prime seat near a window or braved the cold all bundled up outside.

One of the first things they told us to see is the Amalfi Glacier ~ see picture above.

Ruth and I have found our same seats in the Black Pearl dining room at a dinner table next to a window. It is warm in here with no drafts. Ruth is better & now I have come with the same cold that is ravaging this ship. Darn!

Later on in the day about 4pm when the Salsas 49ers were just beginning to gather in the Lido they called us over the intercom to come and see Popius and Brushin Glaciers. I took pictures but thru the rain, fog & mist I could not get a great shot of its enormous beauty. Imagine the Amilia Glacier above only 5 -10 times bigger.

About 11pm we hit the Pacific Ocean to begin our travels toward Puerto Montt and the Carnival Splendor began to rock & roll with treacherous 25 ft or higher swells. And the rough water kept it up for the night and throughout the next day.

2/27/09 ~ The weather is dreary & cold today. The fog keeps you from seeing more than 2-3 feet past your camera hand.

Tonight is Cruise Elegant Evening on board.

Strait of Magellan Cruising ~ 2/25/09

There were rumors flying today as to why we did not sail on time last night ~ the ship said high gale force winds but the sea was so calm ~ others said 2 ambulances arrived =1030pm and took 2 people on stretchers away. We sailed soon thereafter over calm seas but not soon enough to get us to Punta Arenas on time.

The sun rose today on a very beautiful crisp day. A flat sea, majestic snow covered mountains looking much like iridescent transparent glass & fingers of puffy white clouds painted on a gorgeous blue sky.

We had planned to tender in & go with Les & Joyce, Marilyn & Steve, Mike & Linda, Ruth & Carlos Galindo our tour guide on the Punta Arenas ~
“Otway Sound Penguin Rookery Tour”
Email: galindotour@hotmail.com ~ but we did not get the pleasure this time around.

Instead we cruised through the Straits of Magellan & the Beagle Channel & saw majestic beauty including the Cross of the Seas ~ see pictures.

Ushuaia, Argentina~ 2/24/09 (6am-6pm)

Happy Mardi Gras everyone at home!

Ushuaia is the southern most city in the world and one of two main cities on the island territory of Tierra del Fuego. Surrounded on three sides by towering peaks, the city is located on the border of the Beagle Canal and offers unforgettable scenery and a National Park framed by the sea, forests, lakes and mountains. This protected land includes the beautiful Lakes
of Fagnano and Roca and the southernmost sub-Antarctic forests. Once a small fishing village,

Ushuaia is today a welcoming, busy town with a growing population, at present numbering about 50,000 inhabitants. *(see picture I took about 730am of Ushuaia above)

We (Kay, Debbie, Allan, Annie, Shirley, Jean, Jeanette Ruth and I met in the Splendor Lobby at 8am and disembarked soon thereafter.

All of us were layered & bundled up because the ship told us it would be very, very cold & windy here ~ well . . . the sun was out, the sky was a gorgeous clear blue, and the sea was as flat as glass.

We headed towards town and found tethered to the pier several catamarans.

We choose one called Canoero Catamaranes of Ushuaia ~ (http://www.catamaranescanoero.com.ar/) or (reservaslosyamanas@amet.com.ar) or
(tel: 54-02901-433893/15513291) which would take us on a 2.5 hr Beagle Channel Sailing Excursion leaving at 930 am offering the classic Sea Lion Island with a multitude of Cormorants & the Les Esclaireurs Light House for $40.00pp.

This company also has a 6 hr excursion to see all of the above plus the Magellanic Penguin Rookery for $60.00pp.

What was supposed to be a freezing cold day turned out to be the most beautiful crisp day . . . People began to shed jackets, gloves, hats and other layers of clothes and leave them on tables & chairs as the air turned warmer and they all headed outside to the front of the vessel or up above to take a multitude of pictures.

They regularly served us free Mate, Regular Tea or coffee plus jelly filled cookies and coffeecake cut into squares as we slowed and almost stopped to take pictures of the sea lions, cormorants and the Lighthouse as well as most beautiful scenery.

We got great shots of the Carnival Splendor passing it on the way back in to the pier.

Once we disembarked everyone headed off on their to explore this pristine little town on a hill and found a Casino & shops filled with” End of the World” souvenirs, handicrafts, and a most beautiful stone set in all metals called Rhodochrosite. My favorite color was the Rose color.

Ruth made her way pretty good on her scooter ~ Up the steep hill to get to the main street thru town. Most all curbs had ramps but some shops including the internet café had a step up and in so I hurried in to add pictures to our last blog and start the next one. Internet charges here are $3.00 / hr.

A trivia fact about Ushuaia ~ for most of the first half of the 20th century, the city was centered around a prison for serious criminals. The Argentine government set up this prison following the example of the British with Australia or the French with Devil’s Island; escape from a prison on Tierra del Fuego was similarly impossible

All passengers did as they were told & boarded the ship getting ready for sail away at 4pm.

We watched from our dining room table as a Princess ship sailed into the Harbor and let down anchor and also saw 2 ice breaker ships heading out to cruise in the Antarctica. Brrrrr!!

And to our surprise ~ you guessed it ~ we were still sitting tethered to the dock until = 11pm. They said there were gale force winds and we were safer staying at the dock than sailing. We were also informed around 9pm that we would be missing our next Port ~ Punta Arenas, Chile and would be getting more time sailing in around & thru the Strait of Magellan with commentary from our Naturalist, Dirk.

2/ 23/ 09 . . . Cape Horn Cruising

Cape Horn Cruising
Named after the city of Hoorn (in the
Netherlands) it is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile. It is widely considered to be the southern tip of South America. Cape Horn is the most southerly of the great capes, and marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage; for many years it was a major milestone on the clipper route, by which sailing ships carried trade around the world.

At 2pm ~ Goose, our cruise director came on the intercom and told everyone we were on our final approach to Cape Horn.

Ruth and I found a warm seat on the Starboard Side of the Black Pearl Dining Room and watched as we began to see the islands and rocks near Cape Horn and it was thrilling to watch them grow in size and mass as we sailed closer.

About 3pm Goose came on again and told everyone to move to the port side so we could begin to see Cape Horn in the distance looking exactly like the pictures we had pulled up on the internet prior to leaving home.

Here it was the tip of the world, the end of Patagonia, the beautiful and fearsome Cape Horn and here we were beginning to pass it on a beautiful calm day with full view and no signs of danger what so ever. It was wonderful.

"Patagonia" which essentially is the last 1000 miles, north to south of South America which encompasses Argentina on the east and Chile on the west. It is an area roughly 1000 miles long by from 600 miles wide on the northern end down to about 100 miles wide on the southern end and is as barren and wild throughout as land can get on this earth with territory ranging from the almost tundra like land near Puerto Madryn to interior desert like land and some rainforest to the extremely high and rugged mountains of the Andean Range slopping down to the more livable region of middle Chile and the uninhabitable region of lower Chile except for small areas such as Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile.

Not long after 330pm we were close in (within a mile) to the actual Rock called "CAPE HORN". We could see the statue of the Albatross, Lighthouse and the Chilean Flag flying overhead.

The Captain sailed around Cape Horn Island leaving the Atlantic Ocean and crossing into the Pacific Ocean then around to the Atlantic Ocean once more.

One of our lifeboats was dropped down and a few officers went over to procure a stamp denoting our sailing around the Horn from the Chilean Officials for the ship and our certificates we will receive later on. The winds were 57 knots and swells were 15 feet.

Sometimes you could see clearly and at other times the fog and mist obliterated all.

Around 4pm we headed up to the Lido to see what the Salsas 49ers were up to and found a few of our folks who will now forever be known as the “Polar Bear Club” braving the cold wind and rain and sitting in the Jacuzzi!

We stayed inside where it was warm and continued to watch as the Captain and the Chilean pilot steered the ship toward Drakes Passage where we will drop anchor near Ushuaia at 12M.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina~ 2/21/09

We docked early and were cleared for tours & passengers to disembark between 7 & 8am.

We met Shirley, Annie and Alan and finally got Ruth and her scooter off a very slender, steep and bumpy gangway even though officers told us they thought it may be too steep . . . Where there is a will there is a way!

Then we inspected all the free shuttle buses & decided the littlest one would work the best . . . so we waited & waited & waited for it to return.

The city of Puerto Madryn lies in the northeastern region of the province of Chubut, on the wshores of Golfo Nuevo. Founded on 28th July 1865 when 150 Welch immigrants arrived. The port is named in honor of Sir Jones – Parry whose estate in Wales was named “Madryn.” Today it is an important centre for tourists visiting the natural attractions of the Peninsula Valdez and coast plus a major port for aluminum processing & fishing.

The main places to see in Puerto Madryn are 1) Punta Loma: a sea lion rookery, 2) Peninsula Valdez: a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Reserve & 3) Punta Tombo ~ the biggest continental penguin rookery. To get there you drive over & back on dusty, bumpy roads & then a fairly long walk over sand & aggregate – which we elected not to do at this port. Information, prices & reservations for these tours can be found at http://www.southernstargroup.com.ar/ or southernstargroup@gmail.com.

3 km south of the city is the Puerto Madryn Eco Center with a $6 entry fee & an Oceanography & Natural Science Museum with a $2 entry fee.

Once the little shuttle appeared a young good looking Puerto Madryn man picked up Ruth & placed her in the seat in the bus while I assisted the driver with putting the scooter in the back trunk.

Once our group was boarded onto the shuttle they let the passenger line fill in the rest of the seats & we drove toward the beach on a very long pier that passengers & crew were absolutely not allowed to walk on & turned left & soon thereafter we were paralleling the beach.

It was about 15 min drive to the shuttle stop of downtown. Along the opposite side of the beach were many very nice handicraft stores where they sold Leather goods, Wine, Alpaca wool Indigenous Artwork, Patagonia wool clothing, silver & an assortment of Mate cups & Bombilla spoons.

I found an internet café that sold time for $1/hr & I even got change back from my $1.

All street curbs had ramps but many stores had a step up to get in. In the middle of town was a very modern 2 story mall.

We walked southwest into the city about 2 blocks to a open air marketplace in a park where the trinkets were much less expensive than the stores across from the beach & you began to notice more & more trash left laying around on the ground.
Shirley waited in a long line to have a local finger artist paint a tile in 3 min for her ~ the Orsono volcano, penguins and a hungry orca were displayed! It turned out beautiful.

Around 3pm we were on our same little free shuttle headed back to the ship.

Montevideo, Uruguay ~ 2/19/09

Just so you all know = Ruth’s voice is better – those Chinese herbs from Annie worked!

After breakfast ~ Ruth & I met Shirley, Annie and Allan = 930 am in the Splendor Lounge and headed off the ship on deck 0.

The pier / port is right next to the town of Montevideo, Uruguay making it easy to walk into & around the town.

We tried our best to get a van to take all of us including Ruth’s Scooter on a 2-3 hr tour but could not find a taxi big enough to fit all 5 of us and a scooter. The prices for a tour varied from $20 – 25 / hr up to $80.

So we found a free shuttle that took us to a Leather shop in the middle of town called Plaza Independence & of course before we began to explore we went into their Leather store to browse.

Once we took all the pictures we wanted of Plaza Independence and it statues and buildings we headed West down Sarandi Street – where there were multitudes of shops and street vendors selling all kinds of stuff.

Most everyone was selling antiques, books, chackies, crocheted or knitted wears & some version of what is called a “Mate.”

Mate is an essential part of Uruguayan culture. You see many vendors and locals sitting & sipping tea (Yerba) out of a mate thru a Bombilla.

The Mate is the recipient or cup used to prepare and drink the infusion (tea), and is made from a specific type of gourd. The word mate comes from Quechua, indigenous language and originally meant the gourd itself, although it has now come to be used for the drink as well. The mate gourd must be “cured’ before it is used as a recipient fir the infusion / tea.

The Bombilla is a straw like utensil, usually made of metal that is used to drink and also to filter the tea leaves. It is a long hollow tube with a flat, narrow opening at one end, used to drink from, while the end that is inserted into the tea leaves is shaped like a closed, flattened sieve covered with tiny holes. The bombilla used today dates back to the 18th century.

The Yerba; (tea) comes from the dried crushed leaves of the llex paraguariensis plant, known as the yerba mate plant. This shrub of small tree is native to South America, and is grown in temperate or warm regions of Paraguay, Brazil & Argentina. Yerba mate contains a notable amount of caffeine, falling roughly halfway between tea and coffee in terms of its caffeine content. But iIt also contains highly nutritive substances like vitamin A. The chemical composition of yerba mate gives the drink a highly stimulating & tonic effect, in addition to its diuretic & vasodilatory properties.

Look out below!!!! J

Here are the instructions on ~
How to prepare mate:
1. Fill the mate = 2/3 of the way with yerba.
2. Tilt the mate so that the yerba falls to one side, leaving an empty space on the the other side from the bottom of the gourd to the opening.
3. Pour a bit of warm water into the open space, keeping the mate tilted, until the yerba absorbs and expands
4. .Place the bombilla into the mate, at the center of the open space, while covering the mouthpiece with your thumb.
5. Finally, fill the mate with hot ( but not boiling) water to prepare the infusion.

We meandered thru a tree filled square looking t more antiques & Mate’s then decided to turn North and walk about 6 blocks downhill back to the ship.

Ruth faired well on her scooter – most curbs had ramps or were low enough for her to bump up and down them without to much problem.

The arts and crafts store we entered right before went thru the gate at the pier – had the Mate I had been looking for a day long with my name on it ~ it is a gourd covered with black and white cowhide and rimmed with silver. Just my cup of tea!

A few more steps and the ship was in full view.
We all headed onboard for libations and a light lunch being it was after 2pm.

Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ Day 2 ~ 2/18/09

Toady we met the same 8 people and headed off the ship = 845pm.

We boarded the shuttle and met our tour guide Tito & driver, Diego at 9 am ~ all snuggled into our tour van.

We had about 1.5 hr’s to kill before we headed out to the country so we requested to go back to the Aluminum Articulating Flower to walk in the park to get better pictures. Once we got them we then headed to the Rose Gardens to see the Andalusian Garden Harbor & Fountain, rose gardens with beautiful lake & a white Victorian bridge.

And then it was time for us to take a drive on a Buenos Aires freeway & head to the country for a “RANCH TOUR IN THE PAMPAS” ~

The pampas evoke stirring images of Argentina's prosperity. We arrived at the Estancia "Santa Susana".

Gauchos riding their horses escorted us from the gates & welcomed us all with a drink & empanadas - meat pie, or corn pie with wine or orange juice.

We all wandered around the Sprawling ranch ~ in several directions ~ Some visited the Hacienda, others went into the gift shop, while others went for a horse & cart ride around the ranch or others climbed up on & rode the multitude of Ranch horses.

The ranch bell rang signaling to all it was time for lunch ~ and everyone headed to the family style dining room & found the table designated for their own personal tour group.

Waiters dressed up as gauchos served lunch, the traditional “asado” barbecue, wine, beer, and other drinks. We were entertained with music and Tango dancing.

The most exciting spectacle was yet to come, as gauchos demonstrated skills astride their horses.

An absolutely wonderful & beautiful day until we all were riding home in the van on the very busy freeway – an we all heard a thud ~ thud, whackidy whack noise originating from the back driver side tire - & you guessed it, that back tire lost its retread.

So, Diego got out and changed the tire while all of us stood on the side of the freeway taking pictures as if this was just another part of our tour.

Made for an exciting day.

When we boarded the ship = 445pm they were already ½ way through with the life boat drill – and the ship sailed on time at 5pm.

Whew – a close call!

After dinner Ruth & I decided to take an early evening a get some extra sleep tonight. I took a shower & washed my hair and when I opened the BR door ~ Ruth was already in bed sound asleep.

= 10pm Shirley & Annie knocked on our cabin door to give Ruth a Chinese throat remedy to suck on to make her voice come back & make her feel better . . . Hope it works!

2/17/09~3/3/09~Buenos Aires, Argentina~Santiago (Valparaíso), Chile ~ Day !

Ruth & I met Jean & Jeanette, Susan & Ray, Marie, Shirley, Annie & Alan at 830am in the Splendor Lobby & as soon as the ship cleared we headed down to deck one to disembark.

There was a free shuttle that took us through stacks & stacks piled high of containers to the terminal where we scurried thru & found our www.Defrantur.com tour guide Tito & Driver Diego who had been waiting for us since 9am. We piled in the van leaving the front row open for Ruth & her scooter ~ see picture.

Today we are did a ½ day private tour of Buenos Aires visiting Plaza de Mayo, Cathedral, Government House, San Telmo (Antique district), La Boca (Italian district), Caminito St., Madero Port, Palermo Park, Recoleta (Fashion district), Colón Theatre, the Obelisco which marks the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio (the world’s widest boulevard), nice monuments, museums, typical neighbourhoods, architecture, churches, with many photo opportunities in the most interesting places.

We ended our tour walking around the Recoleta Cemetery. Not only is Eva Peron buried there, but the ornate mausoleums of the rich and famous that line the labyrinth of walkways provide a unique historical glimpse into the wealth and opulence that was once Argentina.

On our way back we drove slowly past the Plaza Naciones Unidas where there is an Aluminum & Steel Reticulating Flower that is opened & closed by the presence & absence of the sun. ~ see picture.

When we returned to the ship = 1500 new passengers were in process of boarding the ship.

I found an internet café which cost $3.00 for 1 hr ~ so I arranged to come back out later to work on my blog.

I left the ship after dinner at 7pm to take the shuttle to the terminal & the sun was still bright in the sky – A very strange sight because I am used to the sun going down at =530p~ ish in California.
Ruth contacted some form of Laryngitis from one of our past cruise dinner tablemates and her voice has all but disappeared. She is taking extra Vitamin C, Zink cough drops & lots of TLC.

2/16/09 ~ Day at Sea ~ Happy President's Day!

First ~ Happy President's Day!

Last day of Leg 1 Cruise is today ~ we got up late & are taking it easy working on craft projects, saying goodbye to old Salsas 49ers friends & 7o our tablemates leaving the ship on 2/16/09 and will be meeting & making new cruiser friends & 6 new tablemates tomorrow on 2/17/09!

Above is a picture of Ruth & I all dressed up for Captains Goodbye Party.

One of our tablemates favored Karaoke & was chosen to play Ricky Martin in the Carnival legends show ~ picture above is Paul with a Carnival Dancer after the show.

Day 15 ~ Rio de Janeiro~2/14/09

First and most important ~ I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day.

Last night upon arriving at our cabin after the show ~ 2 of our fellow female passengers left us pink & red goodie bags filled with heart goodies, a flashing heart bracelet, a heart pen and lots of candy plus 2 valentines each. Thank both of you so much ~ Kay & Deb! We feel special!

After a quick breakfast Ruth & I headed off the ship = 945am to meet up with Ian & Lilian in the Cais do Porto at 10am ~ friends of Ruth’s who will be cruising together in Asia & just so happen to live right here in Rio De Janiero, Brazil.

As we made our way thru the terminal there were telephones, Internet, Post office, Gift & Snack shops.

Ian & Lilian were patiently waiting for us at the door of the terminal where we greeted each other & then walked thru the rain to the main gate.

Ian brought the car around ~ we stowed Ruth’s scooter in the trunk ~ & were off to see the city thru the wet raindrops which we prayed would soon disappear . . .

We drove past Candelaria Church, Municipal Theatre, Lapa Aqueduct & Arches, Metropolitan Cathedral, Modern Art Museum, Gloria Church, Museum of Brazilian Republic & thru the tunnel Sta. Barbara where you could begin to see Corcovado ~ Statue of Christ the Redeemer peak out from behind the clouds.

We continued to make our way to the foot of Urca, Pao de Acucar ~ Sugar Loaf Mountain at Guanabara Bay ~ where we took pictures of the cable cars coming down and going up the mountain.

From there we headed to & paralleled Copacabana Beach and made our way to the Forte Copacabana.

Lilian bought 4 tickets and we headed into the forte, unloaded the scooter from the car & toured the Forte and their museum getting many wonderful pictures ~ noting above us on the top of the hill over the Forte there was a brand new Ferris wheel.

Below us were fisherman’s boats set out on the sand to dry & fishmongers selling their catch of the day. When we finished at the Forte ~ Ian & I walked a little way to get the car and as we past a group of elderly women dressed in bright colors singing and celebrating Carniva, I got a great picturel.

Once we loaded up the car we headed past Copacobana Beach & the Copacabana Palace sighting many sand scupltures and continued paralleling Ipenema Beach & Leblon beach until we came to a beautiful Vista Point where we parked to take a few pictures looking back on many beautiful hotels behind them a watched the huge waves crashing on the Leblon shore.

We retraced our path back along the beaches watching as walkers, sunbathers, surfers, joggers, sand sculptors, etc came alive on the beach as the warm sun peeked thru the clouds and dried up the rain for just a little while.

We stopped for lunch at Taiping Restaurant in the Shopping Rio Sul mall (I think) ~ where mostly the locals eat ~ away from the tourist areas.

And after a leisurely lunch we all headed back to the Carnival Splendor and said our goodbyes to a absolutely wonderful couple that I will not soon forget!

Thank you ever so much Ian & Lilian ~
You are precious!

PS. We were supposed to set sail at 6pm . . .
Well we were still docked and boarding passengers and crew arriving late from their tours at 830pm – I think we finally set sail out of the Rio Harbor = 9pm. And now the ship is doing a bit of rock & roll making up the time!

Salvador, Brazil 2/12/09

Ruth & I met up with a very nice Chinese Family ~ Shirley ~ daughter & Annie & Allan ~ her Mama & Papa in the Splendor Lobby at 830am sharp & headed to deck ”O” to disembark the ship.

The terminal is across the pier and once inside it offers services such as telephones, post office, Internet, Currency Exchange, Snack shop & of course Souvenirs. Once we got US exchanged for Real’s & change for the “Lacerda Elevator” we headed out of the terminal with map in hand. Pretty much everything with the exception of beaches is within walking distance.

About 3 long blocks to your right we bumped into the Baia de Todos os Santos Harbor. We had brought along Ruth’s Scooter Ramp in its sling on the back of her scooter for her to use just in case of no access but found they had ramps immediately upon wanting to cross a very busy street – a young Salvadorian man came up and stooped traffic and guided Ruth across 3 lanes, along the side of the road past the closed Mercado Modelo (marketplace) where Shirley, Annie, Allan & I caught up.

The view from the lower city where we were standing & snapping pictures was looking out on the Harbor, Forte de Sao Marcelo and several beautiful buildings done in Baroque architecture.

But the best is yet to come ~ there are 2 parts to this city ~ a lower city & an upper city.

We again found ramps for Ruth’s scooter and walked across another busy double street to the Elevator Lacerda (R$5 pp ~ local coins needed) & rode it up at least 15 floors up to the Historical centre ofSalvador ~ Pelourinho –preserved as Hertiage of Humnanity by UNESCO – its 450 colonial town houses have now been restored and the area has been revitalized economically, socially & culturally ~ where we found views even more magnificent views / sights overlooking the lower city & whole harbor below. ~ see pic

We explored Pelourinho Square & the headed to our left following & listening intently to an escorted tour as best we could. They led us past several statues, lots of tourist shops, outdoor cafes & 2 more squares ending our trek in front of the Sao Francisco Church in the Terreiro de Jesus District.

Where guess who we found ~ Martina, our waitress out scouting the territory too! *see pic

When we left the ship it was early and not all of the stalls were open but on the way back all was in full swing. A political parade marched past us playing musical instruments, waving posters ~ as well as pulling a old white VW van with a blue rope that surrounded all the marchers, musicians &VW van!

We continued our trek retracing the way we came ~ back down the Elevator Lacerda and this time the Mercado Modelo (marketplace) was bustling & open for business with all kinds of vendors positioned outside in stalls calling & nabbing at you for business. Once we made it thru & out the opposite door . . . we decided to walk on the opposite side of the street back & all the time we found streets with ramps for Ruth’s scooter until we were almost across from the terminal bldg – so, we got out Ruth’s ramp & positioned it so Ruth could ride down off of one curb & up on the next ending out walking tour in the terminal bldg.

In the terminal Ruth & I decided to sign up & wait in line to use the internet – 15 min = $1.00 US, 30 min = $2.00US etc. I was never so glad to get out of there when we were done. The crowd kept pushing in, getting closer & louder every few minutes.

By = 3pm we were safely back aboard our home away from home, the Carnival Splendor!

Later that evening after dinner our waiter Martina & the Matri D, Ken ~ sang and danced for us - see pics above.

BTW - they do this every other night . . .

Day 11 ~ Recife & Olinda Brazil ~ 2/10/09

Our day began when the alarm went off at 7am.
Both Ruth & I got up, dressed & headed for the Gold Pearl Restaurant where they are beginning to know us for our quick breakfast ~ 1 Egg Benedict each, 2 quarter size round hash browns, 2 pork link & juice.

Once done we headed for the 3rd deck near the purser’s desk where we met Shirley, Annie, Allan, Jean, Jeanette & we all headed off the ship together.

We were met by colorful Recife dancers who were happy to pose with anyone for free. ~ enjoy Ruth & my picture!

The free shuttle buses were lined up & ready to transport all passengers at the appointed drop off point in the middle of Recife about 5 miles from the pier where the ship is docked.

We stowed Ruth’s scooter under the bus & the driver lifted Ruth up and carried her up 3 stairs setting her down on her feet at the top where they had saved both of us a seat. And the rest of the = 30 other people riding with us got on.

Driving along you see graffiti everywhere. Once we got off the shuttle bus we found the boss of the taxi van tours and arranged a tour of seeing both Recife & Olinda ~ 4 hrs of sightseeing for $20.00 pp, including Ruthie’s scooter!

Our City tour started =10am included the Pernambuco Culture Center, where we got out and inspected all the handmade goods sold out of the cells of a prison-turned-crafts-market, we drove past Republic Square to see the Teatro Santa Isabel, the Palace of the Governors and the iron bridges that span the Capibaribe River.

We continued on 9 KM to Olinda, Brazil’s old colonial capital declared World Historical Monument by UNESCO, is few miles from Recife. Olinda boasts of beautifully preserved 16th and 17th Century buildings, markets, wonderful artisans & gorgeous views.

We finished our tour = 2pm & headed back to the Ship to quench our parched lips :-) ~ & fill up our tummy’s yet once again!

Another wonderful day had by all!

Day 9 ~ Fortaleza, Brazil ~ 2/8/09

The ship arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil at 7am ~ we got out of bed at = 8am & headed for breakfast in the Gold Pearl Dining Room & then debarked for parts unknown = 930am.

The shuttle from the dock offered all passengers a 7 mile ride into the City Central market for $10.00 round trip, so we took them up on it.

The tour bus guide scooped Ruth up in his arms and carried her up into the bus & deposited her in the front seat & I assisted the bus driver to stow Ruth’s scooter underneath 7 then I climbed in too.

Along the way we passed the Metropolitan Cathedral, Jose de Alencar Theatre, Museum of Ceara, the center of tourism & the fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao & we ended up getting off at the Central Market – the most popular handicraft market to but local souvenirs.

On the way back the bus took a different route & we paralleled the beach. Even though it is beautiful & looks like it would make a great place to walk – we were told not too. By the time we got back to the ship we heard 3 people from our cruise were mugged in that area to . . . we were told before we came to leave our jewelry & watches in our cabin safes & hang on tightly to cameras & other personal possessions.
We personally never felt threatened & had no problems.

Day 8 ~ Crossing the Equator ~ 2/7/09

Crossing the Equator, the imaginary line dividing the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres, can be an exciting experience. Discover the secrets of the law of physics when you are moving from one Hemisphere to the other. Fill a sink with water and observe how the water drains. Clockwise, counterclockwise, or no spin at all?

Crossing the equator is a rite of passage for cruisers who have not crossed the legendary line before. To make it more memorable, a ceremony is performed with King Neptune to mark the occasion. Those who have not crossed the equator before are referred to as "Pollywogs" (Slimy) and those who have are referred to as "Shellbacks" (Trusty).

See pictures of when we crossed the Equator, our own King Neptune, his Wife, & Crew, the Knotty Nurse, & our own Cruise Director ~ Goose!

The mid ship pool area & the upper deck were so crowded at 1pm with people I couldn’t get any good pictures ~ so you will just have to visualize the following . . .

The crossing the equator ceremony was over in a flash ~

To assuage King Neptune, 3 cruiser’s were called up to take on all other “pollywogs” / newbie’s to crossing the equator’s punishment –
The 1st got to kiss a stinky fish,
The 2nd had 3 eggs cracked on his head
and
The 3rd got a bottle of Foster’s beer poured over his head.

And then, King Neptune’s Crew threw the ships 1st officer into the pool, uniform & all!

And the crossing the equator ceremony was completed . . . all “pollywogs” are now considered ~ bonafide “Shellbacks!”

After the ceremony ~ All cruisers aboard received a certificate stating we all are now ~ certified ~ Trusty ~ “Shellbacks!”

At the Salsas 49ers Happy Hour this afternoon the Cabin Door Decoration Winners were announced ~ First place went to Kay ~ K3cruiser, 2nd runner up went to Alice ~ Kronk & 3rd runner up went to Sandie ~ Sandie123. Congratulations to all!

And for all those people from our Salsas 49ers group that finished their books ~ Today was the first of our Book exchanges.