Drink of the Day – Orient Bay
We enjoyed yet another long day at sea. As a matter of fact it was one hour longer since we gained an hour today. We have crossed into the tropics and the weather is noticeably warmer and more humid. Deedee is in her glory.
Tomorrow we will gain another hour giving us a chance to sleep in before we reach Peru at 7:00 am.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Day 34 – Arica, Chile
Drink of the Day – Green Iguana
There may not be enough space to describe and show what a wonderful day this was. The ship arrived before sunrise in Arica, Chile. Arica is located in the far north region of Chile only miles from the Peruvian and Bolivian borders. It is also located in the Atacama Desert.
We decided the day before to take one of the ship’s tours to the Chilean Altiplano and Lauca National Park. Our destination was 15,400 feet up in the Andes Mountains. The tour was ten hours and left at 7:30 am. This meant we were up by 5:30 to get ready, eat, and be ready to leave the ship at 7:00. Gasp!
The tour group filled three, un-air conditioned buses with a fourth bus following as a spare. (That was the first clue that this may be an adventure). Due to a sea pass card problem (Linda and Jane’s cards have had a mixed identity problem the entire trip) it took us a few minutes to get off the ship meaning that we had front row seats on the bus. Normally this would be a good thing, but suffice it to say, what you don’t see out the front of the bus is sometimes easier on the nerves.
The trip began with a ride through the Lluta Valley where we traveled past miles of geolglyphs left by an ancient culture. No one is certain what they actually mean although here are many theories.
Our first stop was the town of Poconchile to take pictures and visit local road-side vendors. We then proceeded to Inglesia de San Marco to visit a church and nearby cemetery.
As we continued to climb along narrow switchback roads we watched the scenery change from barren desert to desert land with brush like plants and candelabra cacti. In the midst of desert mountains there were green valleys with working farms below. The contrast, even with pictures is impossible to convey.
Just after our first stop we were met by the police. Our tour guide told us not to worry because this was a good thing. Apparently we need a police escort the rest of the way up through the mountains. This was the second clue that this was going to be an adventure like no other. He would drive ahead of us to scout out the road since most of the time we could not see past the sharp curves. When we came up behind trucks, mostly carrying goods to Bolivia, he would turn on his siren and the trucks would pull over to allow us to pass.
Shortly after meeting up with our escort we stopped at the Restaurante Zapahuira for a bathroom break and to have a cup of tea with some coca leaves in it to help us with altitude sickness. The restaurant was located at 10,000 feet above sea level. The bathrooms were a tad primitive. Because they buy water by the hour you can never put paper in the toilets and can’t always flush. It is always best to be first in line.
Once back on the road our little caravan continued to climb past a continuingly changing landscape. Soon we were able to see the snowcapped mountains that make up the Andes. We started to see wildlife that lives only at specific altitudes. We did see alpaca and llamas throughout the drive. Guanacos, which look like a cross between a deer and a camel, seemed to live around 12,000 feet up. Occasionally we saw chinchillas sleeping in shaded areas in the rocks.
We stopped again in a small village to use restrooms, look at and purchase local wares, and take pictures. At this point the altitude was starting to become noticeably thinner. Some of us felt a bit lightheaded after walking or moving too quickly. It wasn’t too bad for most of us although one gentleman on the bus behind us passed out and needed oxygen.
Finally, we reached Lauca National Park in the village of Parinacota. We were now at over 15,000 feet. It was spectacular. As we exited the buses we were all drawn to the view of a large lake at the base of a snowcapped mountain. The land surrounding the lake was covered with short, moss like vegetation. A variety of birds live in and around the park. We were especially enamored by the flamingos.
We also had a chance to visit an open air market while we were visiting Lauca National Park. The items make from Alpaca wool were lovely and very reasonably priced. Although never passing up a chance to shop, we did have to get back on the bus and sit. At 15,000 feet it was very difficult to walk around or do anything requiring energy.
We had one last stop on our journey. This was to a 17th century church. As we left the bus to go look at the church Linda and Jane both had to stop to rest. It became apparent that neither one would be able to make the walk to the church for the brief tour. Deedee was the lone member of our group to go in. God love her.
The ride down from the mountains was rather uncomfortable for the few 4 or 5 thousand feet. The combination of altitude sickness and the continuous zig-zagging down bumpy roads in a warm bus was not easy on our heads or stomachs. Not one person was talking on the bus. We did make a pit stop at the Restaurante Zapahuira. The fresh air and chance to stand up seemed to help.
We soon reached the port city of Arica and the ship at 6:00 pm, about ten minutes late. We drove past breaches filled with tents and autos. According to our guide, families move to the beach for three months during the summer. They actually bring their household with including refrigerators and microwaves. The government supplies water and electricity.
There may not be enough space to describe and show what a wonderful day this was. The ship arrived before sunrise in Arica, Chile. Arica is located in the far north region of Chile only miles from the Peruvian and Bolivian borders. It is also located in the Atacama Desert.
We decided the day before to take one of the ship’s tours to the Chilean Altiplano and Lauca National Park. Our destination was 15,400 feet up in the Andes Mountains. The tour was ten hours and left at 7:30 am. This meant we were up by 5:30 to get ready, eat, and be ready to leave the ship at 7:00. Gasp!
The tour group filled three, un-air conditioned buses with a fourth bus following as a spare. (That was the first clue that this may be an adventure). Due to a sea pass card problem (Linda and Jane’s cards have had a mixed identity problem the entire trip) it took us a few minutes to get off the ship meaning that we had front row seats on the bus. Normally this would be a good thing, but suffice it to say, what you don’t see out the front of the bus is sometimes easier on the nerves.
The trip began with a ride through the Lluta Valley where we traveled past miles of geolglyphs left by an ancient culture. No one is certain what they actually mean although here are many theories.
Our first stop was the town of Poconchile to take pictures and visit local road-side vendors. We then proceeded to Inglesia de San Marco to visit a church and nearby cemetery.
As we continued to climb along narrow switchback roads we watched the scenery change from barren desert to desert land with brush like plants and candelabra cacti. In the midst of desert mountains there were green valleys with working farms below. The contrast, even with pictures is impossible to convey.
Just after our first stop we were met by the police. Our tour guide told us not to worry because this was a good thing. Apparently we need a police escort the rest of the way up through the mountains. This was the second clue that this was going to be an adventure like no other. He would drive ahead of us to scout out the road since most of the time we could not see past the sharp curves. When we came up behind trucks, mostly carrying goods to Bolivia, he would turn on his siren and the trucks would pull over to allow us to pass.
Shortly after meeting up with our escort we stopped at the Restaurante Zapahuira for a bathroom break and to have a cup of tea with some coca leaves in it to help us with altitude sickness. The restaurant was located at 10,000 feet above sea level. The bathrooms were a tad primitive. Because they buy water by the hour you can never put paper in the toilets and can’t always flush. It is always best to be first in line.
Once back on the road our little caravan continued to climb past a continuingly changing landscape. Soon we were able to see the snowcapped mountains that make up the Andes. We started to see wildlife that lives only at specific altitudes. We did see alpaca and llamas throughout the drive. Guanacos, which look like a cross between a deer and a camel, seemed to live around 12,000 feet up. Occasionally we saw chinchillas sleeping in shaded areas in the rocks.
We stopped again in a small village to use restrooms, look at and purchase local wares, and take pictures. At this point the altitude was starting to become noticeably thinner. Some of us felt a bit lightheaded after walking or moving too quickly. It wasn’t too bad for most of us although one gentleman on the bus behind us passed out and needed oxygen.
Finally, we reached Lauca National Park in the village of Parinacota. We were now at over 15,000 feet. It was spectacular. As we exited the buses we were all drawn to the view of a large lake at the base of a snowcapped mountain. The land surrounding the lake was covered with short, moss like vegetation. A variety of birds live in and around the park. We were especially enamored by the flamingos.
We also had a chance to visit an open air market while we were visiting Lauca National Park. The items make from Alpaca wool were lovely and very reasonably priced. Although never passing up a chance to shop, we did have to get back on the bus and sit. At 15,000 feet it was very difficult to walk around or do anything requiring energy.
We had one last stop on our journey. This was to a 17th century church. As we left the bus to go look at the church Linda and Jane both had to stop to rest. It became apparent that neither one would be able to make the walk to the church for the brief tour. Deedee was the lone member of our group to go in. God love her.
The ride down from the mountains was rather uncomfortable for the few 4 or 5 thousand feet. The combination of altitude sickness and the continuous zig-zagging down bumpy roads in a warm bus was not easy on our heads or stomachs. Not one person was talking on the bus. We did make a pit stop at the Restaurante Zapahuira. The fresh air and chance to stand up seemed to help.
We soon reached the port city of Arica and the ship at 6:00 pm, about ten minutes late. We drove past breaches filled with tents and autos. According to our guide, families move to the beach for three months during the summer. They actually bring their household with including refrigerators and microwaves. The government supplies water and electricity.
Thankfully the ship waited for us, as well as another tour that followed us in. As we began to pull away from the pier we could see jellyfish floating about in the water. Very neat.
Thank goodness Saturday is a sea day.
Day 33 – Sea Day
Drink of the Day – Help Me Rhonda
Not much to say about days at sea that you haven’t already read. Lot’s of doing nothing. It’s tough but somebody has to do it.
Not much to say about days at sea that you haven’t already read. Lot’s of doing nothing. It’s tough but somebody has to do it.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Day 32 – Sea Day
Drink of the Day – Creole Connection
After two full days of touring we all slept in. When we did finally poke our noses outside we discovered overcast skies and cool temperatures. Blah – We are getting so spoiled. As far as any reportable activities are concerned, there is not much to report.
During the afternoon, when the sun finally made a brief appearance, we decided to attempt to fly kites – again. Initially the kites caught the wind and up they went. Success was brief though and we had to give up.
It was a formal evening meaning we had to get dresses up for dinner. Captain Johnny gave his welcome speech from one of the “bridges” across the promenade. He mentioned that we have 2100 passengers fro this leg which is a couple hundred less than the last one.
Tomorrow will be another sea day with cloudy skies predicted again. We should be in Arica, Chile on Friday.
After two full days of touring we all slept in. When we did finally poke our noses outside we discovered overcast skies and cool temperatures. Blah – We are getting so spoiled. As far as any reportable activities are concerned, there is not much to report.
During the afternoon, when the sun finally made a brief appearance, we decided to attempt to fly kites – again. Initially the kites caught the wind and up they went. Success was brief though and we had to give up.
It was a formal evening meaning we had to get dresses up for dinner. Captain Johnny gave his welcome speech from one of the “bridges” across the promenade. He mentioned that we have 2100 passengers fro this leg which is a couple hundred less than the last one.
Tomorrow will be another sea day with cloudy skies predicted again. We should be in Arica, Chile on Friday.
Day 31 - Valparaiso, Chile (Day 2 of 2)
Drink of the Day – Mariner Breezer
The first item on the agenda for the day was to move to the cabin next door. This is the second time we had to change cabins. This was a project but we managed to get moved and have everything put away in record time. By 11:00 we once again off the ship and ready to explore,
The Traveling Trio decided to spend the day in Valparaiso and see the sights of the harbor city. Once again we found ourselves at the bus station looking for local tours. For $30 each we booked a van with ten passengers and a guide who spoke Spanish, German, and English to take us around the city.
Our first stop was the Reloj de Flores or Flower Clock in the town of Vina de Mar.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Jaridne’ del Palacio Vergara (Vergara’s Palace Gardens) which had acres of beautiful trees and rose gardens.
What started as a four hour tour with an hour for lunch ended up being closer to seven hours. We spent time on one of Chile’s pristine beaches and ate lunch at Burger King to save time (and have a taste of home).
We also drove past mansions, and stopped at the Museo Fonck where we saw a statue from Easter Islands,.. and rode a rickety funicular (open air elevator) down from the top of the Palacio Baburriza where our driver was waiting to take us back to the ship.
While this entry does not come close to describing the beauty and charm of Valparaiso, we hope you can get an idea through some of our photos. The port city is surrounded by 47 hills and the van ride through the streets reminded us of San Francisco.
Once back on the ship wehad to report for a muster drill before setting sail. Technically this was the first day of the third leg of the cruise. Meeting at our station was more like a get together with friends than an actual drill since we have met so many people during the past four weeks.
Tomorrow is a sea day – thank goodness. We need the rest.
The first item on the agenda for the day was to move to the cabin next door. This is the second time we had to change cabins. This was a project but we managed to get moved and have everything put away in record time. By 11:00 we once again off the ship and ready to explore,
The Traveling Trio decided to spend the day in Valparaiso and see the sights of the harbor city. Once again we found ourselves at the bus station looking for local tours. For $30 each we booked a van with ten passengers and a guide who spoke Spanish, German, and English to take us around the city.
Our first stop was the Reloj de Flores or Flower Clock in the town of Vina de Mar.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Jaridne’ del Palacio Vergara (Vergara’s Palace Gardens) which had acres of beautiful trees and rose gardens.
What started as a four hour tour with an hour for lunch ended up being closer to seven hours. We spent time on one of Chile’s pristine beaches and ate lunch at Burger King to save time (and have a taste of home).
A dog's life in Chile.
$600 just to have it your way! Yikes!
We also drove past mansions, and stopped at the Museo Fonck where we saw a statue from Easter Islands,.. and rode a rickety funicular (open air elevator) down from the top of the Palacio Baburriza where our driver was waiting to take us back to the ship.
While this entry does not come close to describing the beauty and charm of Valparaiso, we hope you can get an idea through some of our photos. The port city is surrounded by 47 hills and the van ride through the streets reminded us of San Francisco.
Once back on the ship wehad to report for a muster drill before setting sail. Technically this was the first day of the third leg of the cruise. Meeting at our station was more like a get together with friends than an actual drill since we have met so many people during the past four weeks.
Tomorrow is a sea day – thank goodness. We need the rest.
Day 30 – Valparaiso, Chile (Day 1 of 2)
Drink of the Day – Mi Amor
The ship pulled into port around 10:00 in the morning. By 11:00 we were off the ship and ready for a day of exploring with two Australian friends from our table and two others, from Canada, that we met on the ship. The first important piece if information we learned about traveling through Chile was the fact that nobody spoke English. We all managed to navigate through buses, trains, and taxi’s through miming, pointing to words on our paper, and a smattering of Spanish words.
With map in hand and a travel guide downloaded from the Internet we decided to attempt a trip to Santiago which is the capitol of Chile. We walked about six blocks to a bus station and purchased round trip tickets ($10) to Santiago on a large bus. Buses seem to be a major form of transportation and bus stations are quite large with timetables and concession stands.
It took about and hour and a half or so to get to Santiago. We traveled on an interstate type highway, past numerous vineyards framed by the Andes Mountains. Once we arrived just outside the city we had to find a subway train to take us to the city’s center. Of course, there were several different lines, designated with colors, going in all sorts of directions. Being brave in numbers we boarded the train that looked right and after four or five stations we got off right where we wanted. Impressive or dumb luck?
By this time it was 3:00 in the afternoon. We started to walk around with no clue as to what direction we needed to go. After walking past about a thousand shoe stores and fruit stands, we did find some interesting sites. We also did a lot of showing people our list of sites and pointing to names of places. Highlights of the afternoon included visiting the country’s largest cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, Palace de la Maneda, Fine Arts Museum, and the people.
As we walked through the merchant center we decided to find a restaurant for a quick bite. We found a small restaurant that we though would allow us to people watch while we ate. Instead we were seated at a table in the basement area. It was crowded but authentic. The food was excellent and once the bill came we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it cost about $30 US to feed seven of us.
After lunch we decided to go to Cerro San Cristol, a large park built on hills with terraces and a replica castle on top. Above the park stands a large statue of Virgin Mary overlooking the city. To get to the top visitor must take a tram. The views from the top were spectacular.
When we came down from the mountain (hill really) we had to figure out how to get back to the bus station. After hailing two cabs, figuring out how much to pay, and catching our bus, and traveling for almost two hours, and walking a lot, we arrived safely back in Valparaiso around 9:00 pm.
After a stop at Johnny Rockets for dinner it was back to our cabin to pack up all our belongings to be ready to move back to our original cabin.
The ship pulled into port around 10:00 in the morning. By 11:00 we were off the ship and ready for a day of exploring with two Australian friends from our table and two others, from Canada, that we met on the ship. The first important piece if information we learned about traveling through Chile was the fact that nobody spoke English. We all managed to navigate through buses, trains, and taxi’s through miming, pointing to words on our paper, and a smattering of Spanish words.
With map in hand and a travel guide downloaded from the Internet we decided to attempt a trip to Santiago which is the capitol of Chile. We walked about six blocks to a bus station and purchased round trip tickets ($10) to Santiago on a large bus. Buses seem to be a major form of transportation and bus stations are quite large with timetables and concession stands.
It took about and hour and a half or so to get to Santiago. We traveled on an interstate type highway, past numerous vineyards framed by the Andes Mountains. Once we arrived just outside the city we had to find a subway train to take us to the city’s center. Of course, there were several different lines, designated with colors, going in all sorts of directions. Being brave in numbers we boarded the train that looked right and after four or five stations we got off right where we wanted. Impressive or dumb luck?
By this time it was 3:00 in the afternoon. We started to walk around with no clue as to what direction we needed to go. After walking past about a thousand shoe stores and fruit stands, we did find some interesting sites. We also did a lot of showing people our list of sites and pointing to names of places. Highlights of the afternoon included visiting the country’s largest cathedral, the Plaza de Armas, Palace de la Maneda, Fine Arts Museum, and the people.
The hat in the following picture was for sale by a vendor on the street. While the flag may be similar to the Texan flag, Chile is definitely notshaped like Texas.
As we walked through the merchant center we decided to find a restaurant for a quick bite. We found a small restaurant that we though would allow us to people watch while we ate. Instead we were seated at a table in the basement area. It was crowded but authentic. The food was excellent and once the bill came we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it cost about $30 US to feed seven of us.
After lunch we decided to go to Cerro San Cristol, a large park built on hills with terraces and a replica castle on top. Above the park stands a large statue of Virgin Mary overlooking the city. To get to the top visitor must take a tram. The views from the top were spectacular.
When we came down from the mountain (hill really) we had to figure out how to get back to the bus station. After hailing two cabs, figuring out how much to pay, and catching our bus, and traveling for almost two hours, and walking a lot, we arrived safely back in Valparaiso around 9:00 pm.
After a stop at Johnny Rockets for dinner it was back to our cabin to pack up all our belongings to be ready to move back to our original cabin.
Day 29 – Sea Day
Drink of the Day – Charro Negro
This was a relatively uneventful day and sea. The sun was out all day so even with cooler temperatures it felt good to sit outside. We are all looking forward to our next stop, Valparaiso, Chile. We will be in Valparaiso for two days so be prepared for a longer read in the days to come.
Please Note - Internet at sea is not always reliable. Due to connection problems we have not been able to post for several days. We are back online - for now.
This was a relatively uneventful day and sea. The sun was out all day so even with cooler temperatures it felt good to sit outside. We are all looking forward to our next stop, Valparaiso, Chile. We will be in Valparaiso for two days so be prepared for a longer read in the days to come.
Please Note - Internet at sea is not always reliable. Due to connection problems we have not been able to post for several days. We are back online - for now.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Day 28 – Chilean Fjords
Drink of the Day – La Bamba
The ship sailed through the Chilean Fjords until lunchtime. By early afternoon we were sailing again in the Pacific Ocean. The fjords were very hilly and green. The vegetation was mostly small, short trees and low growing green plants. It looked similar to the Alaskan Inside Passage except we did not see any animals other than a bird or two.
The ship sailed through the Chilean Fjords until lunchtime. By early afternoon we were sailing again in the Pacific Ocean. The fjords were very hilly and green. The vegetation was mostly small, short trees and low growing green plants. It looked similar to the Alaskan Inside Passage except we did not see any animals other than a bird or two.
During the afternoon Jane played Bingo, the first time for this leg, and won $41.00. It was barely to cover the cost of playing but exciting just the same.
During the evening Linda and Jane went to a star gazing session with the First Officer (he is second in command after the captain). Everyone was taken to Deck 12 at the front of the ship. Then the First Officer called the Bridge and had them turn off the lights. It was awesome to see so many stars from the ship. The Southern Cross, which cannot be seen form home, was right overhead.
Tomorrow will be the last sea day before reaching Valparaiso, Chile.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Day 27 – Straights of Magellan
Drink of the Day – Casablanca
Technically this was a sea day. The ship traveled through the Straights of Magellan throughout the morning and early afternoon. By 1:00 or so we were finally in Pacific Ocean traveling alongside Chile. Sailing through the Straights cuts at least 350 to 400 miles off the journey when navigating around the southern tip of South America which makes it an important trade route for cargo ships.
Once through the Straights we spent a lot of time going through our penguin photos, making up captions for some of the cuter pictures. By the end of the afternoon we were getting pretty silly. We decided that we should share the fun and give our faithful readers a chance to come up with better captions. Please feel free to post your thoughts.
"Yes Deedee, we may be at the bottom of the world but we are not going to fall off."
"Why is it always me?" "Where did everyone go?"
"Ok men. And a 1, and a 2 - By the light, of the silvery moon......."
As we travel throughout the afternoon and evening the temperature hovered in the 40’s and the wind picked up. The shipped also “rocked and rolled” until the wee hours of the morning. Of course none of this kept our loca persona que toma el sol from taking advantage of even the smallest ray of sun.
Saturday should be a bit calmer as we travel through the Chilean Fjords.
Technically this was a sea day. The ship traveled through the Straights of Magellan throughout the morning and early afternoon. By 1:00 or so we were finally in Pacific Ocean traveling alongside Chile. Sailing through the Straights cuts at least 350 to 400 miles off the journey when navigating around the southern tip of South America which makes it an important trade route for cargo ships.
Once through the Straights we spent a lot of time going through our penguin photos, making up captions for some of the cuter pictures. By the end of the afternoon we were getting pretty silly. We decided that we should share the fun and give our faithful readers a chance to come up with better captions. Please feel free to post your thoughts.
"Yes Deedee, we may be at the bottom of the world but we are not going to fall off."
"Why is it always me?" "Where did everyone go?"
"Ok men. And a 1, and a 2 - By the light, of the silvery moon......."
As we travel throughout the afternoon and evening the temperature hovered in the 40’s and the wind picked up. The shipped also “rocked and rolled” until the wee hours of the morning. Of course none of this kept our loca persona que toma el sol from taking advantage of even the smallest ray of sun.
Saturday should be a bit calmer as we travel through the Chilean Fjords.
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