I’m not much of a morning person but since we were lucky to be on the port side of the ship where we could see the glaciers, I figured it was worth getting up. And it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Our coffee and tea arrived at 6:15 but it was still dark and hard to see anything outside. So I snooze a few more minutes waiting for Ed, our cruise director to start narrating.
The first thing we saw was Mount Darwin.
The light is just peeking out. Our first glacier was Romanche.
Next was Alemania.
The next was Francia.
The next was the largest Italia. This glacier went all the way down to the water.
And the last was Holanda.
As you can see, they were named after countries.
Just some more photos of our scenic cruise down Beagle Channel.
We never know what to do when we hit a port; take a ship excursion or just wing it.
For the most part, I’ve been very disappointed with ship excursions. From the onset, you wait in large groups with your little sticker and in precision exit the ship. It’s not that I’m morally or emotionally opposed, it’s just not me. Yes, it’s safer. If the bus breaks down, the ship will wait for you. If you are on your own, you are how they say “shit out of luck.
This morning the sun was shining bright but it was brisk out on our balcony. Punta Arenas is only a short tender ride away.
So we set out to see churches and bakeries. What happens beyond that always adds to our day!
We finally made it off the ship and onto the tender before 11. No crowds to deal with which is how I like it.
The tender was half full which made for a comfortable ride.
We stopped inside the visitors center before setting off on our walk about town.
There were many statues around Punta Arenas. Unfortunately, my Spanish isn’t fluent enough to read the signs.
So our first stop after a 5k walk was the Cementerio Municipal. But on the way, we were passing a church and of course, I just had to stop.
We sat for a few minutes to say our prayers then moved on in the direction of the cemetery. It was $5 each to get into the cemetery. A funeral was taking place so lots of people and some beautiful music.
There were some very interesting trees! The first photo reminded us of the “Shining” sans the snow.
After the cemetery, we stopped at a cute little coffee shop, Briciole Dolce. I had a cappuccino and Bruce had a latte. I had an apple strudel and he ate a donut.
In the Plaza De Armas, there’s a statue of Ferdinand Magellen.
Surrounding the plaza are many old buildings including the Palacio Sara Braun. She was a Chilean businesswoman who was involved in many charities and was known for her benevolence. This was her home but is now a museum and a restaurant.
Here are some other buildings surrounding the park .
And of course, we walked past a couple of other churches but didn’t go inside them.
And now we are back on the ship having coffee with friends. I’m ready to enjoy escargot tonight!
Today we visited the Falkland Islands landing in Stanley. There were 2 cruise ships in port. Ours, the Holland America Oosterdam, and the Sapphire Princess. With two ships converging on this southern city, and I mean Antarctica southern, our numbers were higher than the Falklands population.
We slept in a little later hoping to avoid the first rush off the ship. I looked out on our balcony to see a very bleak terrain.
But the sun was shining so that was very promising. The temperatures were in the 50’s with high winds. We had gusts up to 40 miles an hour. We tendered over to the port.
The ship was offering tours of over $200 per person to see the penguins but by the time I was looking at excursions, all were sold out. We found that we could take a shuttle over to Gypsy Cove for $20 each so that’s what we did.
It almost looks like a salt flat. There were people actually in the water.
We walked a long a path with lots of other people and our first encounter was with this little guy or girl. These are Magellan penguins.
A little further on we found a huddle of penguins.
Then we saw a pod of orcas.
Since both of us were not feeling great, we decided not to walk the 5k to the other area to see Gentoo penguins. Maybe our next stop.
We browsed around the town a bit and visited Christ Church. Of course, we said our prayers.
Then we visited the Catholic Church which was a more humble church.
It was a lovely day in the Falklands and we were very lucky to have such nice weather.
Just some random photos of our day in the Falklands.
Now we are getting ready for bed and the wind is whistling through our door! It’s rocking and rolling. I should sleep like a baby!
For two days we wandered around the ship, caught a tango show onboard, won $50 on slots and ate a lot of food.
Unfortunately, Bruce is feeling a bit under the weather; so we are not in full swing. Today, we landed in Uruguay, a little late due to other vessel issues and a medical emergency. The captain said we will stay a little later so we can enjoy Montevideo.
The architecture was interesting; some old and some new. We visited the Cathedral Metropolitan. I love visiting old churches in other countries.
We spent a little time saying some prayers. Then I took some photos. A group of novice priests was visiting the Cathedral.
We stopped at a cafe for treats. The Uruguayan peso is 39 pesos to the dollar. Luckily, I have a currency converter that I use on my phone.
I always found the story of the Uruguayan Rugby Team that crashed in the Andes in 1972 fascinating. A museum was set up, originally only temporary but now a permanent museum. It was very interesting to read about the players and all passengers on the flight.
On our walk back to the ship, we came upon a wall from the old city.
Uruguay was a fascinating place. We wish we had more time!
We had a slow start to the day. Enjoyed the luxury of sleeping late and wandered over to a cafe for coffee.
I had croissants and coffee and Bruce had hot chocolate and a pastry with jam filling.
We decided to visit El Ateneo, a bookstore located in a former theatre.
It was built in the early 1900’s as a theatre and in early 2000’s became a beautifully artistic display of literature, CDs and DVD’s.
We browsed around the “library” but found there was limited seating. The cafe which is at the back, actually was the stage, was filled to capacity. Having perused the bookshelves for a while, we decided it was time to move on.
Our next stop was a little cafe for a bottle of water and an empanada.
We wandered down a street in the Recoleto section that was obviously where locals did their food shopping. Meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies and wine. Everything looked so delicious and tempting. I almost wished I had a kitchen to cook in.
And of course, dogs are very popular here and dog walking is a good business. The other day I saw a dog walker with 8 dogs, both big and small!
We sat in the park for awhile, people watching. I feel very relaxed and comfortable in Buenos Aires.
We met some friends for coffee this evening. Many of them have moved here from the US and Europe. Some are what we say in Florida, snowbirds. Summer here which is actually our winter months – October to May. Then they go to Europe.
For dinner I had a Caprese tostado and Bruce had an egg sandwich on a croissant.
This morning we ate at Le Pain Quotidien so I could have another almond croissant.
It’s packing day. We will board the Holland America Oosterdam at 4pm. The ship will be in port until tomorrow evening
Now we are sitting in the lovely garden area at the Park Hyatt. Our driver, Santiago, will pick us up at 3:30 to take us to the port.
We finally made it to the ship – and our cabin. We even have a bathtub!
We had a quick bite in the Lido Market and then went exploring.
After a presentation on Holland Americas 150 years of service, we called it a day!
What I’ve found traveling to many countries is that in many places late night dining is a way of life. And slow to wake mornings are part of the norm!
Last night we ate at 7:30 and went to a 10 pm show. Normally I’m in my Jammie’s ready for bed at that time. So being up late meant sleeping in again! Those night curtains are amazing for getting more shut eye.
We finally left the room at nearly 11am and went down the street to a little cafe. Coffee and tea and croissant and lemon pound cake. The breakfast of champions.
Today was beautiful weather wise. Sunny and in the 70’s. We decided to venture over to the Recoleta Cemetery and try to find Evita Peron’s tomb.
It only cost $5 per person to get in. This is a major tourist attraction in Buenos Aires. Not only Eva Perón is entombed here, but many former presidents and generals.
Apparently this is the burial site for many of the wealthy. However, so many of the mausoleums were in disrepair, many of which family members have been long dead.
We weren’t sure how we were going to find Eva Peron’s mausoleum so we found a tour group and followed them.
I think enough time was spent with the dead so off to join the living. Live music was everywhere. Crafters selling their arts and crafts.
It seemed miles and miles of stalls but I couldn’t find anything that seemed particularly Argentine; much of the items could have been sold at local craft fares in the US.
We spent sometime listening to music, eating ice cream from Freddo’s and watching parrots and pigeons having a territorial war.
Walking back we saw a drug store. I thought they would sell bandaids and such but instead they sold candy. I guess they think candy is a drug; and maybe they are right! It’s certainly addicting.
We ate at a local hangout which supposedly has the best empanadas in Buenos Aires, El Sanjuanino.
We had several different varieties: beef, chicken and Caprese.
I liked the caprese best. And for dessert we had alfajor and colaciones, both specialty pastries in Argentina.
Well I thought we’d wake early but not so much. The weather was a little iffy with a prediction of one inch of rain. So sleeping in seemed the better idea. Not as late as yesterday; we were out of the room before 10!
I must say maid service is very good. I left our sink area a mess and she organized all my stuff.
Today we stopped at La Rambla for cafe con leche and tea. I also asked for a croissant. It was more of a sweetbread but very tasty.
While sitting at our outside table it began to rain. Fortunately we were under an awning.
Today we ventured into the Boca Caminito area where the soccer stadium is located.
This was a very colorful but sometimes sketchy area.
There was lots of artistic graffiti.
And an outdoor tango show.
We also came across a flock of parrots.
We stopped to eat Argentine pie – I had Caprese and Bruce had ham and cheese. They were small but we also had smoothies.
We watched a show – first an opera singer who was fantastic.
Second act was a pair of dancers I believe dancing in the chacarera style originated from Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
It was fun being entertained while we ate and both acts were great.
A group of men, drinking and hanging were so excited to have me take there picture. most everyone we meet has been friendly and helpful.
Our final moments in this colorful, vibrant neighborhood.
Back on the bus I was able to take photos of the newest neighborhood in Argentina, Puerto Madero and a very interesting modern bridge.
For afternoon tea, I had a cappuccino and Bruce and I shared carrot cake at our hotel.
This was on the palace side of structure.
We had a pleasant meal at the hotel restaurant, Dubai Restaurant and Vinoteca. More meat for me and Bruce had fish.
Then off to a 10 pm Tango show. We decided to see the older, more authentic tango rather than the more modern version. It was located in a building dating back to the 1700’s. The show was called El Viejo Almacen.
Tango originated in Argentina in the 19th century in the poorest of communities. The dance was performed in brothels, bars and sporting events to make money.
A couple also performed a gaucho dance which was incredible. Very fast-paced utilizing drums and ropes. The male dancer looked like Johnny Depp.
The musicians were fun and fabulous!
And a famous former Tango-singer, Hugo Marcel, entertained.
Oh boy were we tired! I’m glad we came to Buenos Aires for 5 days. This way I don’t feel guilty sleeping 12 hours. Our bed was so comfy and the blackout shades made it seem like nighttime even though we finally woke at 10am. I can’t remember the last time I slept that late without being sick. Scrumptious!
Our first stop today was Le Pain Quotidien for cappuccino and croissants. I had almond Bruce had his with butter.
We decided to take the hop on hop off bus. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a city. For $35 each we were able to get 48 hours of use which works out well for us.
The ride from the first stop through the 22 stops takes about 3 hours. There are many high end stores in Buenos Aires many of them in the Recoleta neighborhood where our hotel is located.
I love the old buildings in Buenos Aires.
Sitting on the upper deck of the bus, allowed us to soak in the sounds, smells and views of this capital city. And just like any city, there were the high end stores, the well dressed city dwellers, and the multi cultural backgrounds of the tourists, mixed in with the poor, the homeless and the disenfranchised.
Reaching the Palermo neighborhood, we decided to get off the bus for a bit of a stroll and something to eat. We found a lovely restaurant, La Panera Rosa. We ordered the lunch special which included drinks, coffee, fruit, eggs, babaganoush, ham and cheese and lemon pound cake. I think that was dinner! I was stuffed!
We walked around the area taking in a local craft fair. There was also an Irish Pub, Sullivan’s, on a corner. Thought that was kind of cool sitting in the midst of all that is Argentine!
At our drop off point we visited Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
It was a very beautiful church next to the cemetery where Eva Peron (Evita) is buried.
Unfortunately, it was too late to go to the cemetery since it closes at 5.
We headed back to the hotel to check out the pool and sauna.
The pool was chilly so I went to the hot tub and sauna in the ladies room.
For dinner we had ice cream at Freddos.
A coconut dulce le leche cone was the perfect end to this fantastic day!
I love traveling but sometimes it can be a long and arduous process. That’s why creatures comforts while flying are so important.
We ordered our Lyft ride to Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
I earn 5x points on Lyft with my Chase Sapphire card, so it’s a no brainer to use Lyft over Uber.
Our ride today was ok. The car wasn’t great but the driver was friendly. So 👍 for Ethan and 👎 for the vehicle. He kept the windows open because I don’t think there was A/C!
No Priority Lounge or Centurion in Terminal 1 so as my daughter stated, we had to sit with the crowd. My access to these lounges comes with the American Express Platinum. It’s got at hefty $695 fee but all the perks make it worth it for us.
We flew economy from Fort Lauderdale to Houston. The legroom was tight but it was only a 3 hour flight.
From Houston to Buenos Aires we are flying Premium Economy. Two seaters with good legroom. A reclining seat and a gift pack with socks, eye mask, toiletries and dental kit.
The cost for economy was $1500 and premium economy over $2k. I used 240,000 Chase points and $11.20 and voila – decent seats for a 10 hour flight.
I can see why it gets harder and harder for seniors to travel internationally by plane. After over 14 hours of travel and luckily a bit of shut eye, getting through immigration was a bit of a nightmare. We had to walk about a mile to immigration and then the lines were very long. Luckily we chose the left line and it went a bit quicker.
I’m a little sad because many countries no longer stamp passports. Argentina is one of them.
Finally, through customs and baggage claim , we found our driver to take us to the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.
Our hotel room was $800 a night with fifth night free. But using points it was 25k a night totaling 125,000 points.
We had to wait for our room so we had coffee, tea and scones at one of the hotels restaurants.
Our room was finally ready and we took a two hour nap.
We have a Nespresso machine so I had a cup along with the macarons they delivered to our room compliments of The Management.
In Argentina you must eat meat. Our driver recommended a restaurant a short walk from the hotel. Delicious!
A little walk back to the hotel and now we are hoping for a good nights sleep!
Kadyn came for a visit during Christmas break and we decided to kayak for an afternoon. We picked her up at Orlando airport then drive the hour and a half to Ocala. On our way we saw a space launch out of the Kennedy Center. It was awesome but unfortunately, I was not prepared, so no photos.
We are staying at a Hilton and had dinner at Olive Garden.
We ate the buffet breakfast at the hotel and headed over to Silver Springs to meet up with Wet Rabbit Kayak.
The weather was predicted to be around 58 degrees and sunny. A bit nippy for us but Kadyn thought it would be fine. Bruce started out thinking maybe not such a good idea.
But the more we worked the more we warmed up. We saw a lot through our glass bottom kayak.
Grasses and sand.
We even saw a shipwreck.
And I had a manatee go right by my kayak. Unfortunately, all I caught was his tail. They are a lot bigger than I thought.
We saw alligators – some big, some small.
And lots of turtles!
Our guide Melissa was very good and she didn’t rush us.
It was beautiful kayaking here.
All in all it was a fabulous day!
And to top it off a little down time in the hot tub!
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