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!!!!