Wednesday 30 March, 2016

Well, our last day before disembarking in Los Angeles in the morning.  But our arrival has been delayed by about an hour as a crew member had to be air-vac'd from the ship just now.  We were advised of this a few hours ago and the helicopter from San Diego has just winched the person off - great drama, everyone had to leave certain open decks and we lowered our speed  to match the wind factor and the operation took just about 10 minutes.  Must have been very serious as we are so close to LA.  Perhaps someone ate a black banana, D!!!!! Yesterday a lady was taken off the ship having suffered a stroke! 

This cruise has not been without incident!  I also heard that we are on 'yello alert' - can't find out if that is about nori virus or respiratory problems but the salt & pepper shakers and all cutlery was removed from tables 2 days ago.  We are now using packet S & P & cutlery being handed to us.  

Other than that, all good.  We both played for a $1800 jackpot at bingo this afternoon without luck.  This will probably be my last posting unless something exciting happens in LA.  

Will dine with Joy and Ken tonight - has been lovely having friends to socialise with and we will definitely keep in touch.  

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Had a very nice visit to Cabo San Lucas today, arrived at around 7am & left again at 2.30pm although the last tender was at 1.30 pm.  The temperature was lovely, in the mid 20's with a breeze - much easier to move around.  We were off the ship early, walked just a few hundred yards and took a ride in a glass bottomed boat with 4 others - just a 45 minute trip out to see the wonderful rock formations, some seals and many birds, particularly pelicans.  

Continued along the foreshore checking out the various shops, mostly all very touristy and containing stuff you wouldn't want to take home.  Cabo felt super safe after some of the places we have visited and the locals were very friendly.  Stopped for tacos and margeritas and by then it was time to wander back to the ship.  Another ship, the Norwegian Jewel, had arrived at noon  so the town was buzzing.  

Saturday 26, Sunday 27 & Monday 28 March, 2016

Have had three days at sea, for the last two hugging the coast of Mexico.  The weather has changed considerably and is now only around 26/27 C and much more enjoyable.  Not so good for the bronzed whales out on deck though!  There is a very interesting array of figures on this ship and the good things is - they don't give a rats!!!!  Oh to be so flamboyant!  

Have tried to win the jackpot of around $1500 at bingo, did win a prize today but had to share with 2 others - won a total of $34.  

The shows have been good, the crew show is tonight so that thould be very entertaining.  

Am now on my last book, just as well as the library is pretty ordinary with not much to offer.  Each day there has been an art auction, generally I go to these as find them fascinating!  And there is a chance to win a painting which , of course, didn't happen to me.  But they do give away a small token at the end of each auction.  Was in such an auction the other day when George came looking for me - to tell me the Pies had had a good flogging.  With the smile on his face I think it was the highlight of his day.  

Last night we ate in the specialty restaurant, Crown Grill.  Was lovely but far too much food.  The desserts all look fantastic, that's why I keep posting photos, but truly, they are very average and I rarely eat them. There is a fascination with chocolate and mousse but the taste is not there.  

Winding down now, the next stop is Cabo St Lucas in Mexico then a day at sea before arriving in Los Angeles.  Sadly we won't be seeing our friends, the Goldsteins, as they are still in Port Jervis, NY, helping to settle Howard's affairs.  

Tonight was the crew show - that's not me in the tutu!!!!!

E 

Friday 25 March 2016

Nicaragua. 

George went on the tour alone today - yesterday was enough for me and feeling ordinary with a cold and sore throat meant I could turn over and go back to sleep as the tour was leaving very early.  After a late breakfast I decided to take the tender boat to the port - walked along the street beside the beach and checked out the various souvenier shops.  I then found a nice hotel with a beachside bar and had a cold drink while using their free wifi. Was nice not having to hurry on the internet like on the ship. The town was alive - Good Friday in Melbourne is NOTHING like Good Friday in San Juan, Nicaragua!!!  Everybody was out & about, some dressed in costume, others more or less dancing to the macarena and other loud Latin American beat and of course there were thousands on the beach and in the water.  Was very tempting not to paddle but not sure how clean that water was!!! 

Back on the ship I sat in the laundromat reading for an hour.  George was back at around 4.30 having really enjoyed his day & then we met up with Joy & Ken for a drink before dinner.  

The easter egg display on the ship is amazing as you will see by the pics.  

Thursday 24 March 2016

 I woke with a sore throat, lots of people coughing and spluttering!  But since we had a tour booked had to be up early.  We docked at Punterenas, Costa Rica at 8 am and were cleared to disembark shortly afterwards.  But we were on a Princess tour so had to wait longer as 4 buses going on the same route.  

This tour was a scenic train ride and river cruise of approximately 5 1/2 hours but we didn't get back until well after 3pm - dirty, tired and for me, wishing we'd saved our money!  Drove to the train, about 40 minutes from the port.  The train is antique and used to bring coffee down to the port years ago.  Enjoyed the countryside, passed many fields with cantaloupes and honey dews (melons are in huge production here), trees dripping with mangoes, cows, small shanty towns, monkeys in trees, iguanas etc.  And because it is Easter Thursday and the start of holidays many children along the way fwaving to us.  Back on the bus we hit a huge traffic jam - everyone heading to the beach apparently. So instead of taking an hour  to the river boat it took us about 2 hours - initially along the highway and then on the worst, most corrugated road I've ever been on!  Was soooo dusty it went through the air-con & didn't help my sore throat!  So, we finally arrived at this godforsaken place, hot as hell, but they did  have cold drinks and huge bowls of freshly cut pineapple for us.  That was delicious. 

Our turn to get on the little boat to view crocodiles, snakes, birdlife, monkeys.  Saw some macaws, a hawk, 3 or 4 kingfishers, some white and blue herons.  Monkeys, crocodiles and snakes all out of town today!!!!! 

What goes up must come down and that applied to our route back - yes, back on that dusty road again, 45 minutes before we hit the highway!  I'm sure Costa Rica is a fabulous place but this port of Puntarenas did nothing for me - maybe on the Carribbean side it is better.  

People are watching a movie and munching popcorn under the stars but it is unbearably hot outside, not sure how they can bear it.  

Below, a white heron, the river boat, monkey in a tree and melons growing all along the way

Wednesday 23 March 2016

Another sea day, nice and relaxing really.  Walked the 2 miles with Joy at 7am as any later would be far too hot.  There is a group of bird watchers on board - every morning we see them on our walk, tripods with cameras at the ready and all their equipment handy.  Heard lots of oohs and aahhs as one solitary bird flew overhead!!

I went to my third art auction after lunch - have enjoyed them but kept my hand below the table!!!   

The Captain's Circle Cocktail party tonight - black tie of course.  Four of us got a table in one of the lounges and really enjoyed people watching - some pretty strange people and fashions as well as some elegance. Then the cocktails were served, all very pretty but not much alchoholic content!  Went to dinner then the show which was good.  

Monday 21 March and Tuesday 22 March 2016

MONDAY - Combining two days at sea - another one tomorrow.  Took it easy yesterday, a nice long sleep in & not much happening.  I did go to the port lecture for Costa Rica on Thursday, it should be a nice place to visit but I fear it will be very hot. Am hoping I won't run out of books to read - the library on this ship is not as good as the one at the Hallmark!!!  The ship itself is looking a bit tired - I guess we have been spoilt by Regent  and Silver Seas.  

One of the dining rooms became a shop for a few hours  - looked like the bargain basement at Dimmeys!!!  Princess trying to get rid of all the poor quality stuff they've tried to sell  for years!!!  But all a bit of fun and we found a couple of treasures!!!  

Each night at around 5.30 we go to a particular lounge where canapes and cocktails are served to Elite passengers, (past cruisers), drinks at a slightly reduced cost.  It's not about the food and drink so much as meeting up with new friends and then gliding into the dining room for dinner!!!! We enjoyed dinner last night with Joy and Ken from Richmond, Virginia.  Joy & I have had a couple of early morning walks around the deck and will do so again tomorrow.  

TUESDAY - wow, was it hot walking today!  Everyone was anxious to see the Machu Picchu passengers meet the ship - we arrived at the Ecquadorian port of Manta at 1 pm but no one was permitted to leave the ship. The first 6 or 7 passengers arrived at about 2pm and I think they were those who had travelled independently.  We were obviously going to be here until at least 6.30 so after lunch I went to see the film 'The Danish Girl'. What else to do on a free day in Ecquador??  One bus arrived mid afternoon and two more at around 5pm.  There was great excitement - officers, crew, waiters, all lined up with cold towels, drinks, etc and a great cheer from all of us standing on our balconies or decks.  They were like heroes returning from the war!!!  It will be very interesting hearing their stories.  Apparently quite a few have burns from the aircraft slide but are otherwise in good shape.  

Tonight we ate in the Horizon Court Buffet - was advertised as a Bierfest night.  Actually the food was quite delicious particularly the roast pork with crackling.  We went to the show at 8.15 - a full house to see 'Master Gaucho', Rythm of Argentina.  A husband and wife act who've been playing in Las Vegas for years & now on the Princess circuit.  They did a bit of everything, whip cracking, tango, rope twirling etc. 

Joy and I then went on to Skywalkers to hear Abba music.  The husbands disappeared to bed!!!  Nothing like Silver Whisper, Anne Lamont - no paid gentlemen waiting to snap up a couple of seniors to dance haha!!!

We finally left Ecquador at around 8 pm.  And we crossed the equator at 10.15 pm.  Celebrations for that tomorrow!  

Sunday 20 March 2016

Well, another day in Lima - very hot again.  We took a shuttle to a Mall and wandered around for a bit, but not much happening until after 10 am, being Sunday.  Would have been nice to go to a Cathedral for Palm Sunday but all a bit hard and I had already decided I didn't need any more sightseeing in Lima.  Did sit for half an hour in a nice cafe to enjoy probably our last pisco sour (on this tour) though! 

Back on the ship for a late lunch and a couple of hours reading before canapes & cocktails at 5.30.  Met up there with Jeanie & Jeff, new friends from California & dined with them later on. Noticed at around 7.30 ish that we still hadn't set sail -   I might have mentioned earlier that some people left the ship in San Martin, Peru, in order to fly to Machu Picchu and to return to the ship today in Lima - well, the Captain made an announcement at 8pm to say that 124 passengers were still in Cuzco!  Apparently their aircraft hid a bird and had an aborted takeoff, overshooting the runway and being evacuated immediately.  It seems there were no bad injuries but several were bruised and shaken!  Early arrangements are that we will sail as soon as possible tonight and the others will be flown to Ecquador - we are not scheduled to go to Ecquador but will have permission to pick them up there.  All in a day's sailing!!!  

Saturday 19 March 2016

Well, at home it is 20 March, Molly's birthday - would have been 104 today.  

This morning we are in Callao, the port for Lima, Peru.  Callao is a working port, grain ships and container ships everywhere so shuttle busses are taking passengers into a choice of two different Malls in Lima, the travelling time is about 45 minutes.  When we were here in 1988 I think I vowed never to come back to Lima as it was a dirty, very run-down city.  On that basis, I opted to stay on the ship as we are here overnight and we have a tour this evening.  George went into town but for me it was nice to read for a couple of hours, have lunch on deck  (no queue!) and generally relax.  

On the bus at 6 pm for a dinner at Casa De Aliaga - we booked this months ago as it sounded so interesting. On the way we were driven around the city plazas with all the beautiful buildings which looked amazing at night - funny how most South American cities look so much better at night - and eventually we left the bus (as a group) and walked a few blocks, in and amongst the crowds gathering for Palm Sunday  celebrations tomorrow.  Never thought I'd be walking in down town Lima in heels!!!!! 

Casa de Aliago has been in the same family since 1535, seventeen generations have lived here ever since the day Lima was founded on 18 January, 1535.  They are the descendants of the Peruvian conqueror, Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez!  A little bit of history!  The house is unique, the furniture is heavy and dark and the walls covered in family portraits and beautiful paintings.  We were greeted at the top of a very impressive marble staircase, waiters stood offering pisco sours or wine and canapes were served.   120 people sat at tables of 10, the service was silver, white glove, and, while it would have been great to try some local food such as the national dish, guinea pig!!! it was still delicious.  First course was artichoke mousse followed by fillet of beef and several vegetables.  Dessert a bit disappointing, another mousse and not sure what the flavour was, probably hazelnut.  After a quick look around the lower floor of this beautiful casa we walked back to the bus, about 3 or 4 blocks.  The locals were all abuzz with excitement, fireworks were going off everywhere and it was a most enjoyable atmosphere.  

We were then driven through town to the coastal region of Miraflores - absolutely fantastic at night, restaurants, parks, views to rival anywhere in the world.   Overall, a great night.  

Friday, 18 March 2016

Arrived in San Martin, Peru,  early this morning - San Martin is the gateway to the town of Pisco, the Inca palace complex at Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Archipelago.  Some passengers left the ship to fly to Machu Picchu and will rejoin us in Lima in two days.  We had a morning tour which was absolutely fabulous.  We were taken to the small village of Tambo Colorado where we boarded a speed boat to the marine sanctuary , Islas Ballestas - this is often referred to as the Galapagos of Peru.  It gives shelter to a variety of birds, sea lions and other marine mammals.  Along the way we slowed to observe what is called The Candelabro, a design etched on the desert floor  hundreds of years ago.  We were on the boat for about two hours, took 20 minutes to and from the islands and we observed zillions of birds and thousands of seals, some with babies in the water.  It was really amazing and I regret not taking my ipad - instead I took my camera with a longer lens and the battery gave up so I don't have many photos.  Back on shore we all had a pisco sour, (can't be in Pisco and not have one) and then the tour continued to the Paracas National Reserve where we saw flamingos, pelicans, cormorants etc.  

Enjoyed dinner with a nice couple tonight then went to the show which, to me, was a bit ordinary.  This guy was a singer/ventriloquist and he paled in comparison to Nathan Foley, the Aussie guy, who performed again last night and was terrific.  

Following that we went to 'Ye Olde Pub Night' where the dancers and singers, along with the audience, sang old British songs etc.  Was a bit of fun, interesting to see older people acting like kids though.  Some of the games, competitions are very childish in my opinion. 

Thursday 17 March 2016

Top of the mornin' to you all!  It is still St Patrick's day,  we are soooo behind over here!  Fortunately packed my green pants and the ship is decorated with green - balloons, shamrocks etc.  Apparently there is an Irish theme at dinner tonight but we have a reservation at the 'Crab Shack'. Doubt that would be Irish.  

I started the day with another friend, Joy,  with five laps around the promenade deck, a total of 2 miles.  Was pretty hot by the time we finished - as we move north towards the equator it is hotting up!  

Went to an art auction after lunch.  It was most interesting, the auctioneer was a guy from Melbourne.  Some of the artwork was lovely, I could have been tempted to buy something but takes two to tango.  Speaking of tango, a performance about to start.  

After the auction I went to a film 'a Royal Night Out' - about Elizabeth & Margaret on VE day.  Not authentic but very funny.  

Apparently over 600 Australians on the ship - fortunately only met about 8!  In groups they are very loud.  

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Today was a sea day.  Not much to report really.  After breakfast there was a meet & greet for the  cruise critic people - a group who stay in touch through the internet and who organise their own excursions rather than pay Princess fares which are a good deal more expensive.  Also attended a lecture on the next port, Pisco, in Peru.  I thought the lecture was very good, George didn't.  

After a typical British pub lunch of fish & chips & mushy peas we played bingo then read on the balcony for a while. Black tie tonight so managed, just, to fit into something a bit more elegant than pants & tops.  

Dinner was nice, shared a table with some Dutch people as well as 3 from the US.  Went to the show by myself, is becoming a habit!  The show was OK, Princess singers and dancers performing numbers from the 50's so guess most of the guests would have felt right at home!  

1. Travelator to the 18th level, Skywalk

2. View from 18th level

Tuesday 15 March 2016

By the time I woke up we were well & truly docked in the Chilean port of Coquimbo.  We hadn't booked a tour so after a late breakfast decided to take a bus to the next city of La Serena.  Had notes on the bus system etc but somehow missed the stop as we walked along the the lower road, with a couple of Canadians tagging along.  Was interesting as a local guy explained the dreadful conditions the area was in and said that it was due to the earthquake/tsunami late last year.  Apparently the area was under 2 metres of water.  

Finally found the bus and we enjoyed a bit of local flavour on the 35 minute ride.   La Serena didn't have a lot to recommend it but we did go to the Archeological Museum to see, in particular, an exhibition on Easter Island (which we cruised past in low gear three years ago).  According to our notes the only statue to be taken from Easter Island is on display here, but last night someone said they had seen 'the only statue.........' In a  museum two days ago! Anyway, it was most impressive as was the whole display.  Back on the bus to another shopping centre, very modern, beautiful shops & a quick snack before joining the locals on the ride back to Coquimbo.  

By now we had deserved a cocktail so went to the lounge where we have special food and reduced cost drinks (gotta save for the next trip) due to our 'status' and met up with Jeanie & Jeff who I met in the lift in Valparaiso.  Funny where you meet your newest best friends!!!!!  

Dinner was fun, a good table of eight.  George got to sit next to the blonde - she was 80ish & her lovely lady friend 84!  A couple of retirement home ladies from LA.  

I went to the show by myself - was a bit apprehensive  as this guy is from Australia - but honestly, he was fantastic!  Nathan Foley, from Sydney, has just been awarded the top entertainment winner for the Princess Line for the year.  A wonderful singer, apparently he auditioned for Les Mis in Sydney when he was 17, missed the part as was too young to grow a beard, so was then hired with the High Five group where he stayed for 10 years. 

1. Star Princess from the wharf

2. On the local bus

3 & 4 Exhibits from Easter Island

Monday 14 March 2016

Well, our hotel in Valparaiso was right at the port, could see Star Princess berthed just across the train train tracks & down a bit.  But getting there involved a taxi ride a couple of kms in the other direction, check in at that point then a bus ride back to the ship.  This ship seems huge after being on a Regent cruise last July - and we fit right into the age bracket - lots of wheelchairs, walkers etc. I'd say the passengers are predominately from the US and Canada.  Quite a few Austalians, too, and I saw a jar of vegemite next to the jams at breakfast so that's a sign!!!

After the safety drill we found ourselves joining another couple for a mohita, or was it two? Then on to dinner, have decided to go 'anytime dining' which means we don't have to eat too late!!

There is a tango demo each night, very good, but the show in the Palladium past night was appalling.  Hoping it will improve! 

No pic from today!

Sunday 13 March 2016

Transfer today from Buenos Aires to Santiago then on to Valparaiso. Up early for a car pick-up to the International airport which is 50 kms from our hotel.  Nice driver who spoke a little English & as we were approaching the airport he asked our flight number (knew we were flying LAN) - George said '440' and the driver said 'we are at the wrong airport'!  The other airport was in fact 10 mins from the hotel and we had flown in there before but we didn't read the document correctly and assumed an international flight would leave from an international  airport!!  So we turned around and still got there in time, at a much inflated taxi fare!  The really good news though we were not charged for excess luggage!  

Got another car for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Valparaiso - passed through a huge wine area and beautiful scenery.  Took a while to check in at the hotel, but made it in time to meet 12 others, (who are also travelling on the ship) at a hotel for dinner.  Mostly Americans, a couple from Sydney and two from Vancouver.  Had a pisco sour, an amazing steak, and shared a bottle of sav blanc.  The view was stunning, VP looks a bit tired in the daylight but comes alive at night.  Stray dogs everywhere so have to step high and keep your eyes on the next move!!!!

Saturday 12 March 2016

It has  been a nice relaxing day - no bus, no subway, no museums just a nice day at the races followed by dinner at our favourite Palermo restaurant, La Josephina. 3 nights out of six!  Got to the track at about 3.45 pm, Pablo picked us up and Maria Julia met us there.   The first race was at 2pm and the last at 9.30 pm so a big day, with only about 16 minutes between races.  We stayed until about 7.30, had already said our goodbyes to P & MJ as they had another function on tonight.  I finally had a win, spent 10 pesos to win 26 pesos (about $2.36 Aus) but otherwise a non profitable day.  The races here are so unlike those at home - predominately men, certainly no Flemington on an ordinary day even.  The few women were casually dressed, eg pants, jeans and something I have noticed here is the girls are all wearing high platform shoes.  Not sure if they are ahead or behind the fashion trend! 

Was tempted to order a steak at La Josephina but I decided on a delicious mushroom risotto and definitely made the right choice.  G had a rump steak which could have served at least 2 people but not much left on the plate I noticed.  

Now to get everything back into the suitcases and be told how much excess we have to pay tomorrow on our flight to Santiago, Chile! 

Pic 1 dinner

Pic 2 being paid a big sum!

Pics 3-5 at the track

Pic 6 La Josephina restaurant

Pic 7 outdoor cafe at Eva Peron museum, Palermo